Florida State Edges California in Close Contest
Wednesday, January 28, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Tucker Center
Florida State Seminoles 63, California Golden Bears 61, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won California Golden Bears vs Florida State Seminoles?
Florida State Seminoles beat California Golden Bears 63-61 at Tucker Center on January 28, 2026.
Who was favored in California Golden Bears vs Florida State Seminoles?
Florida State Seminoles were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -175 (about 64% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Florida State Seminoles triumphed over the California Golden Bears with a final score of 63-61 at the Tucker Center. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Florida State, who had previously lost to California in their only prior meeting on January 23, 2025, where they fell 68-77 on the road. The Seminoles, now holding a home record of 10-12, improved their performance after struggling recently with a 3-7 record over their last ten games, including a one-game losing streak leading into this matchup.
Florida State's recent form has been marked by high-scoring games, averaging 77.3 points scored while allowing 80.1 points in their last ten. However, their defensive struggles have been apparent, as they have allowed an average of 84.4 points in their last five games. In contrast, California, boasting a record of 15-6, has been in better form, winning six of their last ten games and currently riding a two-game winning streak. The Golden Bears have averaged 74.5 points scored and allowed 71.4 points during this stretch.
The game was characterized by a back-and-forth battle, with several lead changes in the second half. Key moments included DeJuan Campbell's layup that brought California within two points at 58-56, followed by a free throw that narrowed the gap further. Justin Pippen then put California ahead briefly with a layup, but Florida State responded with a driving layup from Robert McCray V to regain the lead. The closing minutes saw both teams exchange free throws, with Lajae Jones sealing the game for Florida State with two successful free throws that brought the score to 63-61.
In terms of home and away performance, Florida State has struggled at home with a 2-3 record in their last five games, while California has a 5-2 record at home but has faced challenges on the road, going 1-2 in their last three away games. The odds set by DraftKings favored Florida State, giving them a spread of -3.5, with a total set at 157.5. The home money line was priced at -175.0, while the away money line stood at 145.0.
The game took place under standard conditions, and both teams were looking to capitalize on their respective strengths. Florida State's ability to score under pressure and California's recent defensive improvements were key elements to watch for throughout the game. Ultimately, Florida State's resilience paid off, allowing them to secure a narrow victory and gain momentum moving forward.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | FSU -3.5 | 157.5 o -115 / u -105 | California Golden Bears +145 · Florida State Seminoles -175 |
Leaders
- PointsChauncey Wiggins18Florida State Seminoles
- AssistsRobert McCray V4Florida State Seminoles
- ReboundsLajae Jones8Florida State Seminoles
- PointsJustin Pippen19California Golden Bears
- AssistsJustin Pippen3California Golden Bears
- ReboundsMilos Ilic11California Golden Bears
Recent form
Florida State Seminoles
Last 10: 3-7Streak L177.3 scored · 80.1 allowed per game2-3 at home
- L80-83at SMU MustangsJan 24
- W65-63at Miami HurricanesJan 21
- L68-69vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 17
- L86-94at Syracuse OrangeJan 14
- L69-113vs NC State WolfpackJan 10
- L87-91vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 3
- L66-79at North Carolina Tar HeelsDec 31
- W87-63vs Jacksonville DolphinsDec 23
- W96-49vs Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsDec 20
- L69-97at Dayton FlyersDec 17
California Golden Bears
Last 10: 6-4Streak W274.5 scored · 71.4 allowed per game1-2 away
- W78-66at Stanford CardinalJan 25
- W84-78vs North Carolina Tar HeelsJan 17
- L56-71vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 15
- L75-78at Virginia Tech HokiesJan 10
- L60-84at Virginia CavaliersJan 8
- W72-71vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 3
- L70-90vs Louisville CardinalsDec 31
- W74-56vs Columbia LionsDec 21
- W97-50vs Morgan State BearsDec 20
- W79-70vs Northwestern State DemonsDec 13
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | California Golden Bears | Florida State Seminoles |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-58 | 23-63 |
| Field goal % | 34 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 10-28 | 6-28 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 21 |
| Free throws | 11-15 | 11-21 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 52 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 42 |
| Offensive rebounds | 8 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 33 | 30 |
| Assists | 8 | 11 |
| Steals | 3 | 5 |
| Blocks | 0 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 8 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 14 | 32 |
| Fouls | 19 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 14 | 78 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half23-34John Camden makes 8-foot turnaround jump shot
- 1st Half23-36Lajae Jones makes layup (Robert McCray V assists)
- 2nd Half23-38Robert McCray V makes driving layup
- 2nd Half24-38Justin Pippen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half27-38Justin Pippen makes 26-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half27-41Kobe MaGee makes 25-foot three point jumper (Martin Somerville assists)
- 2nd Half29-41Milos Ilic makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half32-41John Camden makes 23-foot three point jumper (Chris Bell assists)
- 2nd Half34-41Dai Dai Ames makes layup
- 2nd Half34-43Robert McCray V makes 4-foot jumper
- 2nd Half34-44Robert McCray V makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half35-44Justin Pippen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half36-44Justin Pippen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half36-46Alex Steen makes 4-foot dunk (Martin Somerville assists)
- 2nd Half38-46Dai Dai Ames makes driving layup
- 2nd Half38-47Alex Steen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half41-47Justin Pippen makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half41-49Chauncey Wiggins makes 4-foot dunk (Robert McCray V assists)
- 2nd Half41-50Chauncey Wiggins makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half44-50Chris Bell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Semetri Carr assists)
- 2nd Half44-51Thomas Bassong makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-52Thomas Bassong makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half45-52DeJuan Campbell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half46-52DeJuan Campbell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half47-52Justin Pippen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-52Justin Pippen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-53Kobe MaGee makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-53John Camden makes 24-foot three point jumper (DeJuan Campbell assists)
- 2nd Half51-55Alex Steen makes layup (Lajae Jones assists)
- 2nd Half54-55Justin Pippen makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half54-57Martin Somerville makes 13-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half54-58Lajae Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-58DeJuan Campbell makes layup
- 2nd Half57-58DeJuan Campbell makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half59-58Justin Pippen makes layup
- 2nd Half59-60Robert McCray V makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-60John Camden makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-62Chauncey Wiggins makes 6-foot turnaround jump shot
- 2nd Half61-62Milos Ilic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-63Lajae Jones makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Florida State Seminoles, below favours California Golden Bears.
Venue
- Tucker CenterTallahassee, FL
- Attendance4867
- OfficialsLee Cassell, Ron Groover, Roger Ayers
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