Hamilton's business trip extended?

Gastonia native Leonard Hamilton said before the ACC tournament that his visit to Charlotte would be purely a business trip.

Though he’d have extra family and friends at Bobcats Arena, they knew he wouldn’t have much time to spend with them.

“I’m sure I’ll go visit with my mother when the opportunity presents itself,” Hamilton said, “but other than that, I’m sure it won’t be any different from any other tournament that I’ve been in before.”

If this is a business trip, business was good in the first half for Florida State. In the opening game of the ACC tournament Thursday afternoon, the Seminoles led by 13 points with 6 minutes, 12 seconds remaining in the first half.

Getting out to an early lead was important for Florida State. After losing twice to Wake Forest during the regular season, the Seminoles needed – and received a confidence boost.

The lead shrank to 31-26 at halftime after a David Weaver alley-oop dunk and a Gary Clark 3-pointer. But Hamilton’s chances of sticking around for another day in his hometown still looked good.

– Ken Tysiac