Clearwater's Luke Loucks sparks Florida State past Miami

TALLAHASSEE — Miami coach Frank Haith admitted he wasn't ready for Florida State's Luke Loucks.

The Seminoles sophomore and former Clearwater High standout, who had totaled 19 points in eight Atlantic Coast Conference games this season, came off the bench Saturday to double his total with a career-high 19 points and lead FSU to a 71-65 win over Miami.

"Loucks made some big shots," Haith said, shrugging. "The numbers coming in wouldn't have indicated he'd have that kind of night."

Loucks hit 5 of 7 field goals, including 3 of 5 3-pointers, and added five rebounds and three assists, one on a spectacular bounce pass to Michael Snaer during a 13-2 first-half run that erased an early Miami lead.

"I think it bothered him that people were backing off on him," FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said.

Loucks hit his first five shots, including three 3-pointers.

"I didn't surprise myself," Loucks said. "It was good to get the monkey off my back. Things just clicked (Saturday), and the shots started falling."

Solomon Alabi's layup six minutes into the second half gave the Seminoles a 42-40 lead, and they never trailed again, leading by as much as 59-47.

FSU (17-6, 5-4) led 32-31 at the half on a jumper by Loucks that beat the buzzer.

Chris Singleton added 10 points for FSU, which bounced back from a 71-67 home loss to Maryland on Thursday. The Seminoles desperately needed the win after losing their second conference home game.

James Dews led Miami (16-7, 2-7) with 15 points.