Florida State Upsets Clemson in Close Contest
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12:00 PM ET · Littlejohn Coliseum
Florida State Seminoles 70, Clemson Tigers 65, 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 Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers?
Florida State Seminoles beat Clemson Tigers 70-65 at Littlejohn Coliseum on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Florida State Seminoles vs Clemson Tigers?
Clemson Tigers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -440 (about 81% implied). The underdog won.
In a surprising turn of events, the Florida State Seminoles defeated the Clemson Tigers 70-65 in a tightly contested game at Littlejohn Coliseum on February 21, 2026. This victory marked Florida State's third consecutive win, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. The Seminoles' recent form has been strong, with a record of 6-4 in their last ten games, averaging 76.2 points scored and 73.1 points allowed. Their last five games reflect an even more impressive trend, with an average of 80.0 points scored and only 72.2 points allowed, indicating a significant offensive surge.
Clemson, on the other hand, has struggled recently, losing their last three games and holding a record of 6-4 in their last ten. They averaged 69.9 points scored and 65.1 points allowed during this stretch. The Tigers' recent performances have been inconsistent, with their last five games resulting in an average of 68.0 points scored and 69.4 points allowed. Their home record stands at 3-2, while their away record is also 3-2, reflecting a lack of dominance either at home or on the road.
The matchup was particularly intriguing given the history between the two teams. Clemson had won both previous meetings in the 2025 season, with scores of 77-57 and 72-46. However, Florida State's recent form suggested they were a different team this time around, and they proved just that.
In terms of injuries, the block did not specify any significant absences for either team, meaning both squads likely fielded their strongest lineups. This allowed for an exciting matchup, as both teams brought their best players to the court.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Clemson favored by 8.5 points, with a moneyline of -440 for the Tigers and +340 for the Seminoles. The total for the game was set at 145.5, indicating expectations for a competitive scoring environment. However, the final score of 70-65 fell below this total, highlighting the defensive efforts from both teams.
Conditions during the game were typical for a college basketball matchup, with both teams battling for positioning and momentum throughout the contest. The final moments were particularly tense, as Florida State managed to pull ahead with crucial scoring plays. Dillon Hunter's 7-foot jumper gave Florida State a narrow lead, which was then extended by Robert McCray V, who made several key free throws and a critical three-pointer that shifted the momentum firmly in favor of the Seminoles.
As the game progressed, Florida State's ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities became evident, particularly with McCray's contributions in the closing minutes. His performance was pivotal in securing the win, demonstrating his capability to perform in clutch situations.
Overall, this game served as a reminder of the unpredictability of college basketball, where underdogs can rise to the occasion and deliver stunning victories. Florida State's win not only boosts their confidence but also places them in a favorable position as they look ahead in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CLEM -8.5 | 145.5 o -110 / u -110 | Florida State Seminoles +340 · Clemson Tigers -440 |
Leaders
- PointsAce Buckner15Clemson Tigers
- AssistsAce Buckner3Clemson Tigers
- ReboundsJake Wahlin7Clemson Tigers
- PointsRobert McCray V29Florida State Seminoles
- AssistsRobert McCray V3Florida State Seminoles
- ReboundsRobert McCray V6Florida State Seminoles
Recent form
Clemson Tigers
Last 10: 6-4Streak L369.9 scored · 65.1 allowed per game3-2 at home
- L77-85at Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 19
- L54-67at Duke Blue DevilsFeb 14
- L66-76vs Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 12
- W77-55at California Golden BearsFeb 8
- W66-64at Stanford CardinalFeb 5
- W63-52vs Pittsburgh PanthersJan 31
- W77-63at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 24
- L76-80vs NC State WolfpackJan 21
- W69-59vs Miami HurricanesJan 17
- W74-50vs Boston College EaglesJan 14
Florida State Seminoles
Last 10: 6-4Streak W276.2 scored · 73.1 allowed per game3-2 away
- W80-72vs Boston College EaglesFeb 17
- W92-69at Virginia Tech HokiesFeb 14
- L58-61vs Virginia CavaliersFeb 11
- W82-79at Notre Dame Fighting IrishFeb 7
- W88-80vs Stanford CardinalJan 31
- W63-61vs California Golden BearsJan 29
- L80-83at SMU MustangsJan 24
- W65-63at Miami HurricanesJan 21
- L68-69vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsJan 17
- L86-94at Syracuse OrangeJan 14
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 | Florida State Seminoles | Clemson Tigers |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 23-46 | 21-56 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 10-24 | 10-33 |
| Three-point % | 42 | 30 |
| Free throws | 14-16 | 13-15 |
| Free throw % | 88 | 87 |
| Rebounds | 28 | 29 |
| Offensive rebounds | 5 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 19 |
| Assists | 9 | 13 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 8 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 3 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 22 |
| Fouls | 15 | 14 |
| Largest lead | 8 | 6 |
| Lead changes | 22 | 22 |
| Time in front | 65 | 26 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half28-34Dillon Hunter makes free throw 2 of 2
- 1st Half30-34Robert McCray V makes layup
- 1st Half33-34Lajae Jones makes 23-foot three point jumper (Robert McCray V assists)
- 1st Half33-36Dillon Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half35-36Thomas Bassong makes layup (Robert McCray V assists)
- 2nd Half37-36Robert McCray V makes layup
- 2nd Half37-37Carter Welling makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-38Carter Welling makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-38Robert McCray V makes layup
- 2nd Half39-40Ace Buckner makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half41-40Lajae Jones makes layup (Alex Steen assists)
- 2nd Half41-42Nick Davidson makes layup (Jake Wahlin assists)
- 2nd Half43-42AJ Swinton makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half46-42Robert McCray V makes 23-foot three point jumper (Thomas Bassong assists)
- 2nd Half47-42Alex Steen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-42Alex Steen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half48-44RJ Godfrey makes 2-foot dunk (Nick Davidson assists)
- 2nd Half49-44Thomas Bassong makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-44Thomas Bassong makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-44Chauncey Wiggins makes 6-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half52-46RJ Godfrey makes layup
- 2nd Half52-47RJ Godfrey makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half55-47Robert McCray V makes 28-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half55-50Butta Johnson makes 25-foot three point jumper (Ace Buckner assists)
- 2nd Half55-53Butta Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (Ace Buckner assists)
- 2nd Half55-55Dillon Hunter makes layup
- 2nd Half55-56RJ Godfrey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-56Robert McCray V makes layup
- 2nd Half60-56Chauncey Wiggins makes 27-foot three point jumper (Alex Steen assists)
- 2nd Half60-57Jake Wahlin makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-57Robert McCray V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-60Butta Johnson makes 24-foot three point jumper (RJ Godfrey assists)
- 2nd Half61-62Dillon Hunter makes 7-foot jumper
- 2nd Half62-62Robert McCray V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-62Robert McCray V makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-65Dillon Hunter makes 25-foot three point jumper (Nick Davidson assists)
- 2nd Half66-65Robert McCray V makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half68-65Robert McCray V makes layup
- 2nd Half69-65Robert McCray V makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half70-65Robert McCray V makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Clemson Tigers, below favours Florida State Seminoles.
Venue
- Littlejohn ColiseumClemson, SC
- Attendance8241
- OfficialsJeff Clark, Tony Chiazza, Michael Kitts
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