Remembering a Milestone: Florida State’s Historic NCAA Tournament Victory Over Texas A&M
Florida State Basketball: A Historic Rematch with Texas A&M Awaits
TAMPA, FL – As the Florida State Seminoles gear up for their highly anticipated matchup against Texas A&M on Friday, November 28, 2025, memories of a pivotal moment in the program’s history loom large. Head coach Luke Loucks and assistant coach Derwin Kitchen vividly recall the 57-50 victory over the Aggies in the second round of the 2011 NCAA Tournament—a game that marked Florida State’s first NCAA Tournament win in 13 years.
The Seminoles, who trailed 26-23 at halftime in that fateful game, rallied in the second half, shooting an impressive 55 percent from the field. Their comeback not only secured a spot in the next round but also ended a frustrating streak of early exits from the tournament.
Fast forward to the present, and the Seminoles are set to face the Aggies once again, this time at the Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The game, part of the GEICO Battle In The Bay, tips off at 5:05 PM and will be broadcast live on ESPN2, featuring commentators Chuckie Kempf and Debbie Antonelli. Fans can also catch the action on the Seminole Sports Network with Jeff Culhane and Ariya Massoudi.
Reflecting on the 2011 victory, Loucks recalls the intensity of that NCAA Tournament atmosphere. “It’s such a different style; you’re playing teams you’re just not used to,” he said. The Seminoles’ defensive strategy shifted dramatically in the second half, with Hall of Fame coach Leonard Hamilton opting for a zone defense that stifled the Aggies’ offensive rhythm.
“That change was crucial,” Hamilton noted after the game. “It seemed as though it was the right thing to do during that time.” The Seminoles limited Texas A&M to just 27 percent shooting in the second half, a stark contrast to their first-half performance.
Kitchen, who led the team with 15 points and seven rebounds that day, emphasized the importance of teamwork in their comeback. “The turning point came in the second half. We started playing really well as a team,” he said, recalling a pivotal 3-point shot that ignited a 13-0 run for Florida State.
As the Seminoles prepare for their rematch, both Loucks and Kitchen are eager to channel the spirit of that historic game. “That was the game to get this program over the hump,” Kitchen reflected. “Finally winning an NCAA tournament game after years of not winning one was huge for the program.”
With the echoes of past triumphs in their minds, the Seminoles are ready to take on Texas A&M once more, hoping to replicate the success of 2011 and continue building on their legacy. As they step onto the court in Tampa, the stakes are high, but so is their determination to emerge victorious once again.