HARTFORD, Conn. _ Block out the noise and just play.
That's what the Florida State Seminoles had to do during their ACC Tournament matchups against the top-seeded Virginia team and a potent Duke squad that features some of the most heralded players in the country.
It prepared them well for the Big Dance.
No. 4 seed FSU (29-7) rallied again Saturday, delivering a 90-62 win over highly touted underdog Murray State (28-5) to advance to the Sweet 16.
There was a lot of hype surrounding Murray State versatile playmaker Ja Morant entering the second-round matchup with the Seminoles.
After logging a triple-double during a first-round win over Marquette, the sophomore started the FSU game by hitting 4 of 5 shots for 11 points, outscoring the Seminoles 9-7 on his own in the first five minutes.
Though playing with heavy hearts and without senior leader Phil Cofer, the Seminoles remained focused and hit eight 3-pointers in the first half while recording four blocks and six steals.
FSU got out and ran in the open court, finishing lobs in between the barrage of 3s for a complete show of offensive force. After an emphatic alley-oop from Devin Vassell to Terance Mann, Mann puffed out his chest in celebration. That play gave the Seminoles a 12-point lead and made it clear they would not be denied the opportunity to advance despite Morant's best efforts.
Mfiondu Kabengele finished with 22 points to lead the Seminoles, followed by Mann with 18. RaiQuan Gray found his shooting touch and finished 3 of 7 from deep for 11 points.
Morant was held to just 2 of 9 in the second half but he still finished with 28 points for the No. 12 seed Racers.
As the Seminoles move on, they will continue to support Cofer, who learned minutes after FSU's first-round win that his father had died.
Cofer posted a message on social media Friday thanking fans for their support and asking them to send donations via the GoFundMe page he set up to help offset the debt his family incurred during his father's long illness.
"On Thursday March 21st, moments after my team's win in the first round of the 2019 NCAA Tournament, celebration turned into devastation as I received a phone call that would change my life forever," a message on the GoFundMe page read. "My dad, Michael Cofer, had passed due to a battle with a long-term illness. My dad has always supported me on and off the court and I will miss him dearly.
"My family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and now humbly asks for the community's help with our existing and continuing expenses. All proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards my Dad's funeral expenses and my family's outstanding and ongoing medical costs. My family will contribute any donations that exceed our funeral and medical needs towards a charitable organization.
"We appreciate anything you can give. Please keep my mother, Reba, and brother, Michael, in your prayers as we work our way through this difficult time. Thank you all and God Bless."
Phil Cofer's page notes the NCAA and FSU's compliance department have approved the fundraiser.
As of Saturday afternoon, 517 people donated $23,452 toward Cofer's goal of $100,000.
Cofer missed the Seminoles' first two NCAA Tournament games due to a foot issue. He previously suffered a stress fracture in his right foot. While he didn't hurt the foot again, he experienced inflammation and discomfort that led coaches to keep him on the bench.
Cofer did his best to cheer on his teammates during both games, sitting on the bench in street clothes.
