The Florida State Seminoles (28-7) knocked off Vermont (27-7) 76-67 in the first round to advance to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
After the game was tied 27-27 at halftime, the Seminoles were able to take control with a 6-0 run midway through the second half the gave Florida State a 50-45 lead - and the lead for good. Though Vermont trailed by 12 with just over a minute to go, the Catamounts mounted a late rally but the Semionles would hang on to a seven point win.
Mfiondu Kabengele led the way with 21 points and ten rebounds, and Terance Mann added 19 points in the win. Vermont launched a well-balanced attack, led by 16 points from Anthony Lamb. Three more Catamounts had fifteen points for a team that made 16 three-pointers in 32 attempts, good for 50% from behind the line.
The Seminoles will be back in action on Saturday in their second round matchup and will battle #12 seed Murray State, who upset #5 Marquette 83-64 on Thursday afternoon.