Robert McCray V’s 27-point second-half surge lifts Florida State past Boston College, 80-72 comeback

Florida State flips a 14-point deficit with late 17-5 burst in Tallahassee

Florida State erased a 14-point deficit Tuesday night, closing with a decisive late run to beat Boston College 80-72 at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Guard Robert McCray V scored 27 points, including 18 after halftime, as the Seminoles outscored the Eagles 48-30 in the second half to improve to 13-13 overall and 6-7 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. Boston College fell to 9-17 and 2-11 in the ACC.

Boston College controlled much of the first half and carried a 42-32 lead into intermission, fueled by efficient perimeter shooting. The Eagles extended the advantage to 59-45 with 11:28 remaining, appearing positioned to secure a rare conference road win.

Second-half shooting, rebounding and free throws reshape the finish

Florida State’s comeback accelerated behind a combination of shot-making, offensive rebounding and frequent trips to the free-throw line. The Seminoles shot 61.9% from the field after halftime and went 6-for-10 from three-point range in the second half. They also attacked the glass, outrebounding Boston College 20-12 in the half and generating second-chance scoring that helped shrink the margin possession by possession.

The final stretch turned sharply in Florida State’s favor. Trailing 68-63 with 4:51 remaining, the Seminoles closed the game on a 17-5 run and held Boston College to two field goals the rest of the way. A three-pointer by AJ Swinton tied the game at 68-68, and Lajae Jones converted a second-chance basket to give Florida State its first second-half lead. With 1:49 left, Chauncey Wiggins knocked down a go-ahead three that proved to be the game’s pivot point as Florida State finished the final two minutes on a 10-2 surge.

• Florida State leaders: McCray V (27 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists), Alex Steen (13 points, 8 rebounds), Wiggins (11 points), Jones (10 points, 9 rebounds).

• Boston College leaders: Fred Payne (22 points), Luka Toews (14), Chase Forte (14), Aidan Shaw (10).

A decisive gap at the foul line

Free throws played a central role in the game’s math. Florida State made a season-high 27 free throws, while Boston College went 3-for-13 at the line. Even with the Eagles finishing 11-for-24 from three-point range, the disparity in converted free throws and the Seminoles’ efficiency late helped determine the outcome.

Florida State trailed for nearly 31 minutes but delivered its best execution in the closing possessions, turning a late deficit into a two-possession win.

What comes next

Florida State is scheduled to travel to Clemson on Saturday, Feb. 21. Boston College continues its road trip Saturday at SMU.