HEART ON THE HARDWOOD

FSU’s determined push for a national title came within five points of toppling UCLA’s dynasty. The Noles jumped out to a 21-14 lead, sparked by G Ron King, G Greg Samuel and C/F Reggie Royals. But foul trouble for C Lawrence McCray shifted momentum, forcing the Seminoles to play catch-up as UCLA slowed the pace in the second half. FSU rallied late, cutting the deficit to seven with baskets from F Ron Harris and Samuel, but turnovers in the final minutes sealed the win for the Bruins. Coach Hugh Durham praised his team’s effort afterward, saying, “Like I told them in the locker room, right now they’ve got a feeling in the pits of their stomach like they’re going to explode but in a few days that feeling will go away and they’ll realize they played one heck of a game.”