Douglas' 23 keys FSU to 73-66 win over Clemson

Florida State's Ryan Reid gets around the defense of Clemson's Trevor Booker, left and Raymond Sykes to score in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla.

By: By BRENT KALLESTAD Associated Press Writer | SCNow
Published: February 28, 2009

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Toney Douglas scored 23 points and No. 23 Florida State held off a late Clemson rally, defeating the 12th-ranked Tigers 73-66 Saturday to take another step toward the Seminoles' first NCAA tournament bid in 11 years.

The Seminoles (22-7, 9-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) led 39-27 at halftime and opened their largest advantage at 51-33 early in the second half, but Clemson closed to within 63-60 on five points by Raymond Sykes in a span of just 12 seconds.

Clemson (22-6, 8-6) was led by K.C. Rivers' 17 points. Trevor Booker was held to eight points, but had 13 rebounds.

Derwin Kitchen and freshman Chris Singleton each had 10 points for the Seminoles, who swept Clemson for the first time since the 2000-2001 season.