Robert McCray V did just about everything he could to help Florida State to a road win over rival Clemson.
McCray had 22 of his 29 points in the second half, shooting 10 of 19 from the floor and 4 of 10 from 3-point range while adding six rebounds and three assists in FSU’s 70-65 win at Clemson. The Jacksonville transfer matched a season-best in points, scoring in double figures in all 14 ACC games and has hit the 20-point mark in five games.
“He put the team on his back and really did what I, the coaching staff and his teammates expect of him,” FSU coach Luke Loucks said. “He won the game for us. And everyone around him also showed up and did their job and helped us win.”
Clemson missed four 3-point attempts in the final minute that could have tied it up. McCray sank a pair of free-throw attempts with 11.6 seconds to go to seal the win. And, for good measure, he rebounded a final Clemson miss with one second to go.
Lajae Jones scored 13 points on 4 of 7 shooting, although he had just one rebound for FSU (14-13, 7-7 ACC). Jones has scored in double figures in last six ACC games.
Chauncey Wiggins had seven points and two rebounds in his return to Clemson (20-8, 10-5), where he played the previous three seasons.
FSU has won three straight games and came out ahead in a see-saw battle Saturday with 22 lead changes.
“They're a joy to coach because they're about the right things,” Loucks said. “When you're about the right things and you work your tail off nights like tonight happen.”
Clemson has lost four straight games this season.
The Tigers had won six straight in the series with FSU.
Clemson won the rebounding edge 29-28, but the Tigers didn’t get one second-chance point off their 10 offensive rebounds. FSU had five offensive boards and 11 second-chance points.
FSU shot 23 of 46 (50 percent) from the floor and 10 of 24 (41.7 precent) from 3-point range.
Thomas Bassong and Martin Somerville each had six points.
Clemson shot 21 of 56 (37.5 percent) from the floor and 10 of 33 (30.3 percent) from 3-point range.
Up next
FSU plays host to Miami on Tuesday at 9 p.m.
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