by Bill from Tampa
He did it again.
In what has become a regular occurrence, Michael Snaer shook off the coverage of Mdoh Udofia and dribbling down the right side of the lane put up an underhand runner with half a second left that banked in giving Florida State a 56-54 win over Georgia Tech.
It was the fifth game winning shot in Snaer's career and the third in five games this season for the senior.
The victory was the eighth straight over the Yellow Jackets, and in games decided by five points or less FSU is 6-1 in conference play.
With White on the bench, the Jackets proceeded to outscore the 'Noles 14-4 over the remainder of the half. Danny Miller's roll down the lane for the slam dunk gave Tech a 27-26 lead at intermission.
The Jackets maintained a small lead for the first six minutes of the second half until Boris Bojanosky's lay up tied the score at thirty-eight.
It was Bojanovsky's eighth point in a two and half minute span, giving him a career high ten points for the game.
Over the next seven minutes there were four lead changes and one tie.
Tech had a chance to take a lead when Snaer, fighting around a screen, fouled Marcus Georges-Hunt out above the key with 4:50 remaining. Instead, Georges-Hunt missed all three attempts badly.
Seconds later a catch and shoot three by Snaer gave Florida State the lead. Kiel Turpin added two free throws for a 52-47 lead.
Tech scored the next four points to trail 52-51 followed by two free throws by Snaer to up the lead to 54-51.
Aaron Thomas stepped to the charity stripe with ninety seconds left looking to put FSU clearly in the driver's seat. Unfortunately, he looked like Georges-Hunt, clanging both attempts.
The missed free throws opened the door for Tech. Udofia, looking like he thought the shot clock was about to expire, put up a quick three from above the key that banked in to tie the score, 54-54, with one minute remaining.
Leonard Hamilton called timeout as the ball crossed the timeline, only to see Snaer have the ball go through his hands on a cross court pass, and then dribble it out of bounds trying to gain control of the ball.
Again Udofia put up a quick three that this time missed its mark with Turpin collecting the rebound.
With twenty seconds left, Hamilton again called timeout to set the play. As if everyone in the building didn't know who would get the ball.
This time Snaer kept possession before driving the ball in for the decisive shot. It was not without controversy, however, as it appeared Snaer pushed Udofia with his left arm sending the defender sprawling backwards falling to the floor. That allowed a clear lane for Snaer who took advantage of the opportunity.
GT fans obviously were not pleased with the no call. Florida State fans will take the good fortune.
Hamilton was pleased with his team's execution in the half court, especially in the second half where the Seminoles shot 56%.
Key in that was Devon Bookert, who played the bulk of the minutes in the second half over Montay Brandon who played just three minutes in that half.
"They (Tech) put pressure on Montay in the first half and forced him into some turnovers," Hamilton said.
Also key in the win was rebounding for the Seminoles. Last in the ACC in that category, FSU out-rebounded the Jackets 30-24. FSU was led on the boards by White, who had an off night shooting ball with just three points, but collected 10 rebounds.
Additionally, Hamilton noted the play of Bojanovsky and Turpin who combined for 20 points and 5 blocked shots.
The Seminoles were led in scoring by Snaer's 15 points.
Although the Seminoles turned the ball over 16 times after averaging just nine in the previous three games, FSU racked up 18 assists on their 20 made baskets.
Tech had no players in double figures with two players finishing with nine points.
Florida State improves to 13-9, 5-4 on the season and is 3-3 in the last six. In those three wins, FSU has won by a total of seven points. In the three losses, the 'Noles were outscored by 20, 24, and 19 points.
Hamilton did comment that he would like to see a wider margin of victory for his team. Who wouldn't? But close wins are far better than close losses.
The Seminoles will continue their road trip heading to Wake Forest for a noon tip off on Saturday.
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