Florida State Overcomes Double-Digit Deficit to Beat Boston College

The Seminoles rallied in the second half to secure the victory.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Florida State trailed by as much as 14 points in the first half against Boston College, but the Seminoles mounted a furious comeback in the second half to win 80-72. Robert McCray V led the way for FSU, scoring 18 of his 27 points in the second half to spark the rally.

Why it matters

This win keeps Florida State's momentum going after a big victory over Virginia Tech on Saturday. The Seminoles have now won 5 of their last 6 games and 6 of their last 8, showing the team's resilience after a slow start to ACC play.

The details

Boston College came out hot, setting a season-high with 42 points in the first half and hitting 8-of-12 three-pointers. But the Seminoles tightened up their defense in the second half, holding BC to just 30 points. FSU also took advantage at the free-throw line, going 27-of-35, while BC struggled at 3-of-11. McCray took over in the second half, sparking a 12-2 run that got FSU back in the game.

  • Florida State trailed by as much as 14 points in the first half.

The players

Robert McCray V

A Florida State guard who scored 27 points, including 18 in the second half, to lead the Seminoles' comeback.

Lajae Jones

A Florida State player who made a crucial putback layup late in the game to give the Seminoles the lead.

Fred Payne

A Boston College player who hit a contested three-pointer in the first half as part of the Eagles' hot shooting.

Chauncey Wiggins

A Florida State player who hit a key three-pointer in the second half to help the Seminoles take the lead.

Donald Hand Jr.

Boston College's second-leading scorer who was out for this game.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This team was also just making the plays it needed to make. Lajae Jones getting that putback layup late in the game was huge.”

— Austin Veazey, Analyst (si.com)

“Robert McCray V was spectacular in this game, especially in the second half. He ended with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, 18 of those points coming in the second half, shooting 9/15 from the floor.”

— Austin Veazey, Analyst (si.com)

What’s next

Florida State will look to carry this momentum into their next game against Clemson on Saturday.

The takeaway

Despite trailing by double digits for much of the game, Florida State showed tremendous resilience and heart to mount a furious comeback and secure the victory over Boston College. This win demonstrates the Seminoles' ability to overcome adversity and the team's growth over the course of the season.