CUTTING IT CLOSE

This second-place NCAA Championship trophy commemorates FSU’s historic 1971-72 season, when the program reached new heights. The Seminoles finished the year 27-6 (including 4-1 against top 25 teams), their best record to that point, and earned national recognition with a postseason run that included victories over powerhouse programs Kentucky, North Carolina and Minnesota. Their relentless style of play carried them all the way to the championship game on March 25, 1972, at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena. Though the Seminoles fell 81-76 in the final, the trophy symbolizes a season when Florida State basketball firmly established itself as a contender on the national stage.