Tough night in Tallahassee. Again. If you're looking for the florida state game score today, the scoreboard at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center tells a story of "almost" that is becoming all too familiar for Leonard Hamilton’s squad.
The Florida State Seminoles fell to Wake Forest 69-68 in a game that felt like it was in the bag until the final four minutes. Honestly, it was a heartbreaker. Seeing a double-digit lead evaporate at home is never easy, especially when the Noles are still hunting for that elusive first ACC win of the season.
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The Breakdown: Florida State Game Score Today and What Went Wrong
For most of the night, it looked like FSU was finally going to turn the corner. They led 65-54 with just 4:26 remaining on the clock. You've got to finish those. But a disastrous 11-4 run by the Demon Deacons changed everything.
Nate Calmese was the absolute villain of the night for FSU fans. He dropped 18 points, but none were bigger than the floater he hit with only 6.8 seconds left. That shot gave Wake Forest their first lead since the early stages of the game. FSU had one last gasp, but Robert McCray V—who had a rollercoaster of a night—saw his potential game-winner clank off the front of the rim.
Key Stats from the FSU vs. Wake Forest Matchup
- Final Score: Wake Forest 69, Florida State 68
- Chauncey Wiggins: 15 points (led the Noles)
- Robert McCray V: 12 points, 5 assists, but a staggering 11 turnovers
- Thomas Bassong: 11 points
- Nate Calmese (Wake Forest): 18 points, including the game-winner
The turnover battle was essentially the game. FSU gave the ball away 16 times, and McCray’s 11 miscues were simply too much to overcome. It’s hard to win in the ACC when your primary ball-handler is struggling that much with security.
A Look at the Women's Side: FSU vs. UNC
While the men were licking their wounds, the Florida State women’s team was preparing for their own showdown. On Sunday, January 18, the Seminoles (6-12) hosted the North Carolina Tar Heels (14-5).
This was a massive opportunity for the ladies to flip the script on their season. Coming off a 69-65 win at Pittsburgh, there was some momentum in the building. Sole Williams has been the engine for this team, averaging over 15 points per game. Facing a ranked-caliber UNC team meant they had to play nearly perfect basketball, especially on the glass where the Tar Heels usually dominate.
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Why the Noles Are Struggling in 2026
It’s no secret that this hasn't been the "New Era" fans were hoping for in Tallahassee. The men's team is now 7-11 overall and a concerning 0-5 in conference play. That’s a deep hole.
The biggest issue? Depth and consistency. In years past, Leonard Hamilton could rotate 10 or 11 guys without losing a beat. This year, the drop-off between the starters and the bench is noticeable. When Wiggins or McCray needs a breather, the offense tends to stagnate.
Plus, the ACC is a meat grinder this year. Duke is back to being a powerhouse, and even teams like Wake Forest—who used to be reliable home wins—are coming into the Tuck and stealing victories.
What’s Next for Florida State?
The schedule doesn't get any easier. The men have to travel to Coral Gables to face Miami on Tuesday. Rivalry games usually throw the record books out the window, but FSU needs to find a way to take care of the basketball if they want any chance of an upset.
If you're following the florida state game score today and feeling a bit down, keep an eye on the development of the younger guys like Martin Somerville. He showed flashes tonight with 9 points, mostly in the first half. The talent is there, but the execution under pressure is clearly still a work in progress.
Actionable Next Steps for FSU Fans:
- Watch the Tape: If you missed the game, check the ACC Digital Network for the condensed highlights. Look at those final four minutes to see the defensive lapses.
- Check the Women's Result: The UNC game is a litmus test for where that program is heading this spring.
- Tix and Attendance: Support the team at the Tuck. They clearly need the "6th Man" energy to close out these tight conference games.
- Follow the Standings: Keep an eye on the bottom of the ACC. FSU needs to string together 2 or 3 wins soon to avoid a bottom-four seed in the ACC Tournament.
The road ahead is steep, but that's life in college sports. One win can change the vibe of an entire locker room.