WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Ian Miller came off the bench to score a career-high 25, and Florida State overcame a 16-point first-half deficit to defeat Wake Forest 67-60 on Saturday night.
Aaron Thomas added 19 points and 14 rebounds for the Seminoles (15-10, 6-7 ACC), who registered their first road win since 63-53 at Miami on Jan. 15.
Despite Thomas' efforts, it was Miller who made timely plays to lead FSU. His 3-pointer with 2:12 left gave the Seminoles a 61-55 advantage and sent the fans toward the exits.
The Seminoles needed every bit of Miller's effort. FSU had lost five of its previous six games and badly needed a victory to keep its fading NCAA Tournament hopes alive.
In the opening stages, it appeared FSU's recent struggles were only going to continue.
Wake Forest (14-11, 4-8) took control with a 12-0 run as guard Coron Williams scored seven quick points to push the Demon Deacons to a 21-6 lead. The advantage grew to 24-8 on Tyler Cavanaugh's 3-pointer.
FSU responded, getting back to within 29-23 by halftime thanks to a 12-2 run sandwiched around a momentum-altering technical foul called on the Deacons' Devin Thomas.
The Seminoles took their first lead at 39-37 on Devon Bookert's jumper and held on down the stretch.
Williams led Wake Forest with 18 points and three assists.