Profit, Maryland Slams FSU

Maryland wasn't resting on its record against Florida State.

Laron Profit scored a career-high 32 points as the fifth-ranked Terrapins tuned up for the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament with an 84-75 victory at Florida State.

"We came down to handle business," Profit said. "We felt like we were playing for a number one seed. We feel every game we're being watched and scrutinized and we want to be playing our best."

Profit, who hit 13 of 17 shots from the field, was helped out by Terence Morris and Steve Francis, who scored 16 and 15 points respectively.

"It's out of character for one person, Profit, to get 32," Maryland coach Gary Williams said. "We usually have four in double figures."

Profit and Francis combined for 33 Maryland points in the second half.

"The better players took over the game," Florida State coach Steve Robinson said. "They have some great athletes who can get out there and put the pressure on."

Terrell Baker led Florida State with 22 points in his final game before Seminole fans. Damous Anderson added 19 while Florida State's leading scorer, Ron Hale, was held to just seven points before fouling out.

Despite 15 first half turnovers, Maryland (25-4, 13-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) led the surprisingly sticky Seminoles 33-30 at halftime.

"When you are playing on the road in this conference, everybody is going to give you a dogfight," Profit said.

Florida State (12-16, 5-11) lost its last seven games and its last nine ACC games, the longest league losing steak in a dozen years.

"It's been a tough experience to lose this many in a row," Baker said. "As bad as this month has been, we still felt we could win."

In an unusual gesture after the game, Robinson grabbed the public address microphon to tell the remaining fans from a crowd of 6,899 that no team of his has ever worked harder.

"None of us have any idea based on the size of the heart of those kids sitting on the bench right now," Robinson said. "We may not be the biggest, the strongest, or the fastest, but I'll take these guys anytime."

Florida State will play Clemson in the ACC tournament's opening game Thursday while Maryland awaits the winner in Friday's quarterfinals.

"We're playing well now and we'll have a chance to rest," Williams said.

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