The No. 24 Florida State Seminoles women’s basketball team faced a tough loss on Senior Night against the No. 16 Duke Blue Devils, falling short in a hard-fought matchup. The game, played at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, was expected to be a close contest, with both teams vying for a stronger position in the ACC standings as the regular season neared its end.

 

Florida State entered the game with high energy, looking to send off their seniors with a memorable victory. Early on, the Seminoles played with intensity, keeping pace with Duke’s aggressive defense and efficient offense. However, the Blue Devils quickly established control with their stifling defensive pressure, forcing turnovers and limiting FSU’s scoring opportunities.

 

Despite the loss, senior players for FSU put forth strong performances. The team leaned on their veteran leadership to stay competitive, with key contributions from their leading scorers. The Seminoles’ offense found success at times, particularly in transition, but struggled to maintain consistency against Duke’s physical defense.

 

On the other side, Duke capitalized on their size and defensive prowess, shutting down driving lanes and contesting shots effectively. The Blue Devils also dominated the rebounding battle, limiting FSU’s second-chance opportunities. Their disciplined play and strong execution in the second half helped them maintain a steady lead, preventing any major comeback attempts from the Seminoles.

 

As the game wound down, Florida State made one last push, but Duke’s experience and poise allowed them to close out the victory. The loss marked a disappointing end to FSU’s Senior Night, though the team still showed resilience and determination throughout the contest.

 

With this defeat, FSU will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for the upcoming ACC Tournament. Despite the setback, the Seminoles have had a strong season and remain in contention for a solid postseason run. Meanwhile, Duke’s victory solidifies their standing in the conference and boosts their momentum heading into tournament play.

 

While the final home game didn’t end as the Seminoles had hoped, the night still served as a celebration of their seniors, who have made lasting contributions to the program. Now, FSU will turn its focus toward finishing the season strong and making a deep run in March.