Florida State men’s basketball hosted in-state rival and #20 Florida last Friday night inside the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee. Coming into the match-up, the Seminoles started the season with a 3-0 record with wins over Northern Kentucky, Rice and Tarleton State. Having not beaten the Gators over the past three years, the Seminoles looked to avenge three-straight losses against their bitter in-state rivals.
FSU struggled in the first half, only scoring 31 points through the first 20 minutes of the game. The Gators led 44-31 at the break, but the Seminoles would catch fire in the second half. Jamir Watkins led the Noles with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting from the floor while adding 5-of-11 made free throws. Outside of Watkins, Malique Ewin finished the game with 10 points and 4 rebounds. Justin Thomas added 11 points off the bench, but the Seminoles couldn’t manage to stop Florida’s scoring on the opposite end.
For FSU, this was a game that many picked the Gators to win. After an abysmal finish last season, the Seminoles were looked at as a middle of the pack team in the ACC. The game against Florida proved that to be true. At one point in the game, Florida led FSU by 18 points. Florida State’s largest lead was just 3. The Noles shot just 38% from the floor as a team in a game that saw the Garnet and Gold struggle to find open shots on the offensive end of the court.
Losing 87-74 is certainly not a good look for the Seminoles and head coach Leonard Hamilton. Before the game, FSU was just a 4.5 point underdog. Yet, they managed to lose by 13. While it is still early in the season, the Seminoles have to create shot opportunities on the floor. Allowing Florida to shoot 52% from the floor and total 47 rebounds shows that the Noles’ defense has to improve. Sure, this is FSU’s first loss of the season and not many picked them to win. However, the competitive disadvantage was clear and for FSU to be an NCAA Tournament squad, that must change, and rather quickly.