Today was finally the Noles’ day.
In a tournament generally ruled by the Tobacco Road powers, Florida State held on to beat tradition-rich North Carolina 85-82 for the Seminoles’ first ACC Tournament title ever, and first or any expansion program added after 1991.
“I’m extremely proud of our players,” said FSU coach Leonard Hamilton. “I’m most proud o their character and how they battled through the ops and downs of the game. They did everything I’ve asked them to do.”
The Noles jumped out to a fast start and led 49-40 at the half after a quick Tar Heels rally in the final minute. FSU shot 62.5 percent from the field in the first half, including 7-of-13 from three-point land. Hamilton’s group finished at 58.9 percent for the game, while UNC finished shooting just 39.4 percent. Florida State connected on 11-of-22 three-point shots for the game.
“It’s hard to make a comeback on a team that effective on offense,” said Tar Heels coach Roy Williams. “We kept trying to open the door, and they kept shutting it.”
Luke Loucks led Florida State from the point guard position and had a game-high 13 assists to go along with 10 points. Michael Snaer had 18 for the Noles, while Deividas Dulkys had 16 points including two huge free throws late.
North Carolina was led by Harrison Barnes’ 23 points, while Tyler Zeller chipped in 19 points and 12 rebounds.
One thing that kept Carolina in a game that FSU had in double digits from much of the afternoon was free throw shooting. The Heels hit 21-of-24 from the line while FSU made just 8-of-11.
It is the first win by a team from outside the Tarheel State since 2004, and just the 13th time in 59 tournaments that a team from outside North Carolina has captured the tournament title.
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