TALLAHASSEE, Fla. _ Florida State erased an 18-point deficit in the second half to force overtime, and nearly gave away an upset victory in the final seconds.
But backup guard Trent Forrest, who has struggled mightily offensively this season, was able to provide the game-saving plays to help FSU upset No. 11 Clemson inside the Donald L. Tucker Center on Wednesday night.
Forrest scored on two straight attacks to the basket, had an authoritatively block, and hit two clutch free throws in the final seconds after FSU nearly gave the game away with a poor inbounds pass to help the Seminoles secure a 81-79 upset victory in overtime over the Tigers.
Forrest, who finished with a season-high 16 points, helped FSU force overtime with his driving shot in the final seconds of regulation.
And when Florida State's offense sputtered, like it has at times due to indecisiveness and lack of a clear-cut star player, it was Forrest and senior forward Phil Cofer who helped answer the call with a few contributions from their teammates along the way.
Cofer scored all 17 of his points in the second half, senior guard Brian Angola added a layup of in the final seconds despite struggling most of the night, and starting guard CJ Walker nailed a 3-pointer to help the Seminoles overcome the Tigers late for the victory.
FSU nearly gave the game away though, with a deep pass from Terance Mann intended for Walker that was picked off by Clemson's David Skara. But Shaka missed the first of his two free throws that could have tied the game, and nearly spoiled FSU's comeback.
The Seminoles were considered a team that could play as a No. 7-9 seed in the NCAA Tournament before the game, looking to boost their resume with a victory over the No. 2 team in the ACC.
With the win, FSU snapped a two-game skid in ACC play. The Seminoles will face the Tigers again in 14 days at Clemson, but will first host last-place Pittsburgh on Sunday.
FSU has four games remaining in the regular season before the ACC tournament March 6-10 in Brooklyn to boost their resume for their second straight NCAA Tournament appearance.
