During the 1962-63 season, Florida State men’s basketball and Alabama played three times. FSU won all three, but the final two were decided by a grand total of three points.
The last of those contests and most thrilling came on this day 60 years ago. In the end, Charley Long’s lunging 1-handed bank shot went through at the buzzer as the Seminoles topped the Crimson Tide, 63-61.
Through regulation on Jan. 28, 1963, the teams were tied at 56 in Tuscaloosa. In overtime, the score remained deadlocked — this time at 61. Bobby Ek didn’t score for FSU, but came up with a clutch steal to get the Seminoles the final shot.
On the last possession, Long was forced to hoist a prayer to beat the buzzer. It hit glass and fell through to give the Seminoles the improbable victory.
Long led FSU with 23 points. Jerry Shirley added 14 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.
Over the years, Alabama and FSU have met 16 teams with each team winning eight meetings. The lone overtime contest between the schools ended in dramatic fashion and on this day six decades ago.
Story and box score:
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Mike Ferguson is the lead writer for Double Fries No Slaw. Be sure to follow Mike on Twitter at @MikeWFerguson. Follow all of Mike’s work by liking his Facebook page.
