FSU’s March Madness March Ends in Shocking Loss!

Feb 7, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Florida State Seminoles head coach Luke Loucks points toward the court against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the second half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images | Michael Caterina-Imagn Images Florida State basketball’s season is officially over, declining a bid to the NIT on Sunday. “We have tremendous respect for the National Invitational Tournament and the role it has played in college basketball for many years,” head coach Luke Loucks said.

“When we were asked previously about the possibility of an NIT invitation, I meant it when I said Florida State would welcome the opportunity to compete. After our loss to Duke on Thursday night, I felt strongly that the players who carried this season – especially our seniors – deserved a voice in that decision. After everything they invested this year, it was important to me that they had ownership of how this season concluded.

” “Our team ultimately chose not to participate, and I respect that decision. This group battled through adversity, exceeded every expectation and played some of the best basketball in the country over the final month of the season. Their character, courage and competitiveness were on full display in our one-point game against the nation’s top-ranked team.

While the result was heartbreaking, the fight and unity they showed in that moment is a powerful reflection of who they became as a team. For our seniors, that performance is a fitting final memory of a season defined by resilience, growth and pride in wearing Florida State across their chest. ” Florida State finishes the year with an 18-15 (180-8 ACC) record, having the first team in ACC history to reach at least a .