Malique Ewin scored a career-high 24 points and shot 10 for 10 from the field to lead host Florida State over rival Miami 74-66 on Wednesday night in Tallahassee, Fla.
The Seminoles (16-10, 7-8 Atlantic Coast Conference) won for the third time in their past four games and bounced back following a lopsided loss at then-No. 23 Clemson.
The Hurricanes (6-20, 2-13) lost for the third time in their past four games as Florida State swept the season series for the second consecutive season, extending their winning streak in the series to five.
AJ Swinton’s 3-pointer with 9:20 left broke a 45-45 tie and put the Seminoles ahead for good in a game that had seven lead changes and eight ties. Miami led by as many as six in the first half.
The Hurricanes kept the game relatively close until Florida State pulled away over the final 56 seconds thanks to clutch free throw shooting. The Seminoles’ defensive effort down the stretch helped seal the victory as they finished with 12 steals and five blocks.
Jamir Watkins had a poor shooting night from the field, making only 2-of-12 attempts, but made up for it at the foul line where he made 11 of 14. He finished with 16 points and eight rebounds. Chandler Jackson hit a pair of free throws in the final minute and finished with 11 points.
The game marked the final time that Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton faced his former team. Hamilton coached at Miami from 1990-2000 and led the Hurricanes to three NCAA Tournament appearances before a brief NBA coaching stint was followed by his arrival at Florida State.
Miami’s Matthew Cleveland, who played his final game against his former school, finished with 14 points despite 3-for-14 shooting from the field. Lynn Kidd also scored 14 points and added 11 rebounds.
–Field Level Media
