DALLAS, TX – Robert McCray V scored 21 points, and Lajae Jones scored 20 in Florida State’s 83-80 loss to the SMU Mustangs in the Moody Coliseum. McCray V scored at least 20 points for the second straight game, the first time he has done so this season. He has now finished in double figures in seven straight games. To go along with his 20 points, Jones recorded 12 rebounds, tying his career high set against Davidson on March 8, 2025. Jones’ 20 points and 12 rebounds were his first double-double at Florida State and the third of his career.

The Seminoles fell to 8-12 and 1-6 in ACC play. SMU improved to 15-5 and 4-3 in the ACC.

Florida State has continued to get solid production from its bench unit as it outscored the Mustangs 16-10. The Seminoles’ bench has outperformed their opponents in every ACC game this season.

The Mustangs began the game with an 8-0 run.

Alex Steen put an end to that run and scored the first four Florida State points. All four of his points came from assists by McCray V.

McCray V finished the game with a game-high nine assists. McCray has led the Seminoles in assists in 12 straight games.

Steen finished the game with a season high of 14 points and nine rebounds. Five of his nine rebounds were offensive. Steen leads the Seminoles in offensive boards.

SMU held a 12-4 lead with 14:37 to play in the first half. Thomas Bassong slammed home an alley-oop jam that sparked a 7-0 Florida State run and cut the SMU lead to one, 12-11.

The Mustangs would extend their lead to four, 17-13, with just over 12 minutes in the first half. Martin Somerville scored seven straight points, including a four-point play from behind the arc, to give Florida State a 20-17 lead, its first of the game.

Somerville finished his night with 13 points, two rebounds, three assists, and a game-high three steals. Somerville has now recorded three or more steals in back-to-back games and five times this season. He also recorded three made 3-point shots and has made three or more shots from range eight times this season.

The Seminoles led 24-23 with 6:22 remaining. SMU would outscore Florida State 23-10 to close out the first half to claim a 12-point lead.

The Mustangs lead 46-34 entering the half.

SMU opened the second half with a made free throw before Florida State went on a 6-0 run to cut the Mustangs’ lead to seven, 47-40.

The 6-0 run was capped by a layup from McCray V, who scored four of Florida State’s points during that span.
About a minute later, a made 3-point shot from McCray V sparked a 10-0 Florida State run to claim a 50-49 lead with 15:08 to play in the second half.

In a game of runs, the Mustangs responded with a 7-0 run of their own, recapturing the lead, 56-50. The Seminoles would not go away as another quick 7-0 Florida State run put them back on top by one, 57-56.

The game was tied at 69 a piece with 5:50 remaining in the second half. Jones converted a step-back 3-point shot to give the Seminoles a three-point lead, 72-69, with just under four minutes to go.

The Mustangs responded with an 8-0 run to take a four-point, 76-72 lead at the 2:28 mark. Jones would make another shot from range to cut the lead to one.

SMU extended its lead back to four, 81-77, with just 16 seconds in the game. Jones’ fourth made 3-point shot cut the lead back down to one with 10 seconds to go.

Jones has made four or more 3-point shots three times this season.

After SMU made two free throws to put their lead at 83-80, the Seminoles had the opportunity for the last shot but didn’t get a shot off.

Florida State returns to the Tucker Center to take on Cal on Wednesday, January 28, at 7:00 p.m.