Florida State had energy early and built a considerable nine-point lead late in the game.

But it all fizzled in a dreadful closing stretch, with FSU unable to get a basket for almost the final five minutes of the game and No. 15 Virginia grabbed a 61-58 win.

Lajae Jones scored 21 points, the most he’s produced in an ACC game, and pulled down a season-high 13 rebounds. It was Jones’ second double-double.

Robert McCray added 20 points for Florida State (11-13, 3-7 ACC), which had won three straight games.

But Jones and McCray each missed shots on Florida State’s final two possessions and the Seminoles finished the game on a scoring drought of four minutes, 54 seconds.

The Cavaliers (21-3, 10-2) closed the game on an 11-0 run.

Jacari White scored 19 points, including a dunk with 1:12 to go. White shot 5 of 9 from 3-point range as the Orlando native returned to the Sunshine State to help Virginia extend its winning streak to five games.

FSU coach Luke Loucks said he and the staff tried to land the North Dakota State transfer out of the portal. But White went to Virginia, and he was a difference-maker on Tuesday.

A few Seminoles fell short on Tuesday in a night where FSU needed their best to pull off the upset. Chauncey Wiggins scored just two points on 1 of 6 shooting after averaging 21 points in his last three games. Martin Somerville was 0 for 7 from the floor, and AJ Swinton was 0 for 6 from the floor.

Neither team shot well, although the Cavaliers were better and produced late in the game. Virginia shot 23 of 61 (37.7 percent) from the floor and 10 of 33 (30.3 percent) from 3-point range.

Florida State led by nine, 54-45 with 8:22 to go, but went cold late. The Seminoles shot 18 of 62 (29 percent) and 6 of 33 (18.2 percent) from 3-point range.

Thijs De Ridder had nine points and nine rebounds, helping Virginia outrebound Florida State 47-37.

Coach Luke Loucks’ promotion helped fill the student section on both ends of the court. FSU’s coach offered to buy the first 500 students a beer, and the athletics department also lowered concession prices. With just minutes to tip off, the concourse was crowded with fans in line to buy food and drinks.

The energy inside the Tucker Center was among the best this season. When Duke visited, FSU’s students were still home for the winter break and Tuesday’s game was likely one of the best attended in the 2025-26 season.

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