Sixth-seeded Florida State used a solid second-half defensive performance to advance in the 2013 ACC Tournament with a 73-69 win over 11th-seeded Clemson on Thursday.
The Tigers (13-18) led by as many as 10 in the first half before the Seminoles closed to 35-30 at the half.
The second half was all Florida State (18-14), which took the lead for good on a pair of Terrance Shannon free throws at the 7:34 mark that gave the ‘Noles a 48-46 lead.
The free throws ignited a 14-3 FSU run that ended with an Okaro White three-pointer that put the Seminoles up 60-49 with 4:40 to go.
Clemson was able to make things interesting in the final minute, getting to within two at 71-69 on a three by Devin Booker with 12.1 seconds to go. But Michael Snaer sealed it with a pair of free throws with 6.9 seconds left.
FSU advances to Friday’s ACC Quarterfinals to play #3 seed North Carolina.