Miami’s 75–69 win over Florida State revisited: key second-half swings, late free throws, rivalry context

A familiar scoreline with lasting context for a Florida rivalry

Miami’s 75–69 victory over Florida State in Coral Gables stands as a notable chapter in the programs’ ACC-era series, defined by a tight second half and decisive late-game execution. The result ended a prolonged stretch of difficulty for Miami in the matchup at the time and came against a Florida State team that entered the night with a strong overall record.

How the game tilted before halftime

Florida State built a first-half cushion that reached 12 points, putting Miami in an early hole. The Hurricanes responded with a sustained surge: a 22–9 run over the final 7:06 of the first half flipped the game, sending Miami into intermission narrowly ahead, 30–29. The shift mattered because it changed the second-half stakes from a chase to a possession-by-possession contest in which shot selection and fouls would decide the margin.

Second half: repeated lead changes and a defining three

The final 20 minutes remained close with multiple lead changes. A key moment arrived when Lance Hurdle hit a three-pointer with nine minutes remaining, pushing Miami in front 53–51 in what became the last lead change of the game. From there, Miami held the advantage, protecting it through half-court possessions and free-throw trips rather than separation through transition scoring.

• Miami finished with a higher field-goal percentage than Florida State, including a markedly efficient second half.
• Florida State’s offense leaned heavily on individual scoring, while Miami’s production included multiple double-figure scorers.
• The closing sequence was shaped by fouls and free throws more than late made field goals.

Late-game execution at the line sealed it

Miami took a 72–67 lead with 1:18 left, creating a two-possession cushion that shifted the endgame into clock management. Jack McClinton then converted three free throws in the final 25 seconds, providing the final points that secured the 75–69 margin. That closing stretch underscored the practical difference in a one- to two-possession game: converting at the line while limiting live-ball mistakes.

Miami’s closing points came from the free-throw line, turning a narrow lead into a finished result.

Key statistical leaders and what the score reflects

McClinton scored 28 points to lead Miami. Hurdle added 16, while Dwayne Collins posted a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds; Adrian Thomas also reached double figures with 10. For Florida State, Toney Douglas scored 30 points. The scoreline reflects a game in which Florida State generated significant top-end scoring, but Miami paired efficient second-half shooting with enough rebounding and late free throws to control the final possessions.