Miami Hurricanes defense lets them down in loss to Florida State

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 24: Lonnie Walker IV
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 24: Lonnie Walker IV /
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The Miami Hurricanes allowed Florida State to shoot 60 percent from the floor and 47.4 percent from three in a 103-94 overtime loss in Tallahassee on Saturday. The Hurricanes not able to ride their own impressive game offensively to victory.

Florida State was able to overcome a 17 for 34 shooting performance by the Miami Hurricanes to gain a split of the season series. The Seminoles took command early in overtime and never trailed in the extra session.

Miami scored the first two points of the game before the Seminoles went on 10-2 run to gain control. That was the Hurricanes only lead of the game. The only time Miami was able to tie the game was at the end of regulation.

A Dewan Huell dunk with 1:09 left in regulation tied the game at 83. Those were the last points in regulation. The Hurricanes chipped away throughout the game before tying it. Miami trailed by as many as nine in the first half and seven a few times in the second half.

The Miami Hurricanes offense had its best output of the season. The Hurricanes shot an almost unfathomable 17 of 34 from three. They were also 50 percent overall from the floor.

Miami’s defensive performance was its worst of the season. Florida State’s 47.4 percent from three-point range was the third most proficient of the season. The 103 points allowed and 60 percent field goal percentage against were both the highest Miami has allowed this season. The previous highs were 83 points and 55.4 percent shooting against Duke.

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  • Most of the offense throughout the game from Miami came from Lonnie Walker, Dejan Vasiljevic and Anthony Lawrence. Walker had 23, Lawrence 19 and Vasiljevic came off the bench to contribute 20. Those three combined to shoot 22-37 from the floor and 14-24 on threes.

    Bruce Brown finished with 13, six in overtime. Brown struggled from the floor making just 5-14, one of six from three. He also added seven rebounds and five assists. Sam Waardenburg contributed with five points and a rebound in 12 minutes played.

    Florida State’s offense had excellent balance. Six Seminoles finished in double figures. Florida State’s balance and depth proved to be the difference. Seven Seminoles played at least 20 minutes. FSU was led by Phil Cofer with 21, Braian Angola with 18 and C.J. Walker with 17.

    The Hurricanes defense was concerning. The Seminoles were repeatedly able to get the ball inside for lobs and layups. FSU finished with a 38 to 30 edge in points in the paint.

    After a tough stretch of games over the last couple of weeks, Miami’s schedule easies a bit before facing Virginia next month. The Hurricanes host Pittsburgh, travel to Virginia Tech, host Wake Forest and travel to Boston College in the next four games.

    Next: After two key games Miami Hurricanes 4 straight vs unranked teams

    Next Game: Pittsburgh comes to the Watsco Center on Wednesday night. Miami defeated the Panthers 67-53 in the ACC Opener on December 30 in Pittsburgh. The Panthers lost to Syracuse earlier today to drop to 8-14 overall, 0-8 in the ACC.