Jan. 31, 2026, 8:40 p.m. ET
Florida State delivered one of its most commanding performances of the season by topping the Stanford Cardinal 88-80 at the Donald L. Tucker Center on Saturday night. The Seminoles carried momentum from recent wins over Miami and California into this key ACC matchup, showcasing offensive balance and defensive intensity as they improved to 10-12 overall and 3-6 in ACC play with the victory.
FSU’s ability to execute in transition and attack the paint repeatedly forced Stanford out of its comfort zone, while contributions from multiple players kept the Cardinal on its heels. Florida State’s offense came to life early and never let up, a contrast to some earlier struggles in ACC play. The team’s ability to spread scoring, rather than rely on just one or two individuals, was evident throughout the contest.
FSU’s recent successes set the tone for this victory against the Cardinal. The confidence from the Cal win, along with the road win vs Miami, where clutch plays and late execution put FSU ahead. Those games, both close and against quality opponents, helped prepare the Seminoles for a high-scoring battle with Stanford.
Chauncey Wiggins led Florida State once again with 23 points, providing consistent scoring across both halves and punishing Stanford for defensive lapses on the perimeter and in transition. Wiggins’ aggression early forced the Cardinal to adjust their defense, opening up driving lanes and kick-out opportunities for teammates.
Florida State thrived because multiple players stepped up offensively. Perhaps the most encouraging development for Florida State was its balanced scoring output, with five Seminoles finishing in double figures.
Stanford, which fell to 14-8 overall and 3-6 in ACC play, had shown offensive potential earlier in the week but came up short in late defense against the Seminoles. The Cardinal recently lost 79-70 at Miami, where they surrendered a second-half edge, underscoring challenges that FSU exploited at home.
This win marked one of the more complete performances in FSU’s 2026 ACC slate. Florida State showed the ability to adapt mid-game — a major development after earlier losses where slow starts or defensive lapses proved costly. Against Stanford, they sustained offensive pressure and answered every Cardinal surge with timely scoring runs of their own.
The Seminoles’ win over Stanford underscores a late-January upswing as FSU tries to climb the ACC ladder. With positive momentum from consecutive strong performances and a balanced roster execution, Florida State looks poised to challenge league opponents with increased confidence and resilience.
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