Florida State’s cold start resembled the 22-degree temperatures outside in Dallas.

The Seminoles made a furious rally in the second half — shooting 55.9 percent from the floor — and showed fight before falling 83-80 at SMU on Saturday.

Robert McCray had 17 of his 21 points in the second half as FSU nearly pulled off back-to-back road ACC wins. McCray, who made 10 of 21 shots, now has 20 or more points in back to back games.

Lajae Jones had his first double-double at FSU, producing 20 points on 6 of 11 shooting and pulling down 12 rebounds. Jones’ 20 points was the most he’s scored in an ACC game for the Seminoles (8-12, 1-6 ACC).

Jaron Pierre Jr. had 28 points, shooting 11 of 18 from the floor, and BJ Edwards added 19 points for SMU (15-5, 4-3).

The Seminoles held SMU’s Boopie Miller to 11 points on 3 of 12 shooting.

SMU led 46-34 at the half before FSU stormed back, with Jones hitting a 3-pointer to put the Seminoles ahead 50-49 with just over 15 minutes to go.

The teams played high-level basketball down the stretch, with SMU shooting 54.2 percent in the floor in the second half. The Seminoles were also 7 of 14 from 3-point range in the final 20 minutes.

FSU dug an early hole and shot just 29.7 (11 of 37) from the floor in the first half.

It was the third straight tight game for the Seminoles, who lost 69-68 against Wake and knocked off Miami 65-63 on Tuesday before Saturday’s game.

Up next

Due to the winter storm, FSU is staying in Dallas overnight and will fly back Sunday. The Seminoles play host to Cal on Wednesday at 7 p.m. and Stanford on Saturday at 6 p.m.

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