Posted by BillFromTampa

Not since 1994 has Florida State won more than six conference games. That changed Wednesday night as the Seminoles used a strong defensive effort to claim its seventh ACC win of the season defeating Maryland 71-60.

Before the game Leonard Hamilton labeled the contest as a huge game for FSU in taking a step towards the goal of playing in the NCAA. Numerous times he mentioned it. He mentioned it numerous times after the game as well.

“This is a huge win for us” an obviously pleased Hamilton said moments into the post game show.’,'It was apparent the head coach and his team knew what was at stake. Lose and the chance of making it to the Big Dance was probably gone.

But with the win, FSU improves its ACC record to 7-6 (17-7 overall) and are positioning themselves to at least get a look by the committee and get their first invitation to the Dance since 1998 provided they can pick up a couple more wins.

Hamilton credited his team’s defensive effort particularly in the second half. “Even though we gave up a few easy baskets and rebounds, I was pleased with the intensity”, said the head coach.

Despite allowing the Terrapins to shoot 50% in the second half, FSU’s defense limited the number of attempts Maryland took by making key steals at opportune moments. The Seminole defense held Maryland to just 40% overall and just 27% (3-11) from behind the arc.

Leading the way for FSU was Al Thornton. Hamilton gave credit to Thornton for carrying the ‘Noles in the first half with his 10 points. The junior forward didn’t do a bad job in the second half either adding 17 more points in addition to grabbing 12 rebounds for the game playing all but one minute.

Thornton’s first half contributions were needed as Alexander Johnson picked up two fouls in the first 2:08 of the game. Although playing just 20 minutes, Johnson made the most of his abbreviated time by scoring 9 points and pulling down 7 rebounds.

With one minute left in the game, Johnson exemplified the hustle effort of the entire team when Jerel Allen knocked the ball away from Sterling Ledbetter. Johnson made the diving play he would have not had made last season for the ball wresting it away from Ledbetter and quickly passing it back to Allen.

Showing signs of emerging from his offensive slump, Isaiah Swann was the only other Seminole in double figures adding 12.

Maryland led for only the first two minutes of the game. Johnson’s three from the top of the key gave FSU a lead it would not relinquish.

FSU took control of the first half when Uche Echefu nailed a three pointer to make it 26-18 at the 8:40 mark. The game turned into a slugfest at that point with sixteen free throw attempts taken by the two teams over the next four minutes with only one basket, a three pointer by Thornton.

Fortunately for FSU fans, the Seminoles were taking the majority of those charity shots.

With Florida State holding a 37-27 at the half, Maryland opened the second twenty minutes with a 10-2 run utilizing a 2-3 zone defense and pounding the ball inside more. DJ Strawberry’s runner in the lane closed the gap to 39-33.

FSU had enough of that at that point and began to make stops allowing the ‘Noles to get in its transition game. A three on one break resulted in Swann’s up and under reverse layup around Ledbetter and a 55-37 lead with 11:15 to play.

The Terps tried to continue with its game plan. But the Seminole defense would rise to the occasion. Ralph Mims picked off a pass in the backcourt and went totally uncontested for the easy layup.

Thirty seconds later Johnson added another layup in transition and FSU led 63-44 at the 8:15 mark.

Nik Caner-Medley (19 points) tried to bring Maryland back but had little offensive help from his teammates. Just when it seemed Maryland was about to shrink the lead either Todd Galloway or Johnson stole the ball.

Leading 70-53 with a couple of minutes to play it was clear to Hamilton that the game was secure and substituted well into his bench leading to some sloppy play at the end.

Mims’ free throw with fifty one seconds left gave FSU a 71-57 lead. He made certain there would be no miracle comeback stealing the ball on the ensuing possession.

The Seminoles will attempt to reach .500 and make a move closer to their goal of playing the NCAA tournament Saturday night in Blacksburg. The ‘Noles tip off against the Virginia Tech Hokies at 7:00 PM. There is no television for this game.