FSU Basketball Recap: Noles Downs FGCU to Open Tournament Play

FSU basketball was in a tight game with Florida Gulf Coast, but the Seminoles were able to pull away late for the 86-80 win.

It certainly wasn’t the prettiest game for FSU basketball, but it’s March, and all that matters is pulling out the win. The final score read 86-80 Florida State, but credit Florida Gulf Coast University. They made the Seminoles earn it.

Early in the first half, FGCU had trouble adjusting to the size and athleticism of their opponent. Florida State were able to get some easy buckets in the paint while the Eagles struggled to score.

However, once coach Leonard Hamilton pulled his starters and went to his usual rotations, FGCU countered by going to a 2-3 zone. After that point, the game teetered in the opposite direction, as the Seminoles went five minutes without scoring a point.

Late transition baskets by Dwayne Bacon (more on him in a bit) helped the team regain the lead and extend it to 40-36 at halftime.

After the break, Terrence Mann became more aggressive. The Seminoles are so much better offensively when Mann looks for his own shot. He’s got the slippery athleticism and tight ball handle to get in the paint, with the size to finish.

As FSU extended their lead, FGCU also lost their best big man — Demitris Morant — to a nasty ankle injury. Without his presence in the paint, the ‘Noles fed their big men (mostly Christ Koumadje) alley-oops to help break the game open.

It didn’t stay that way late, though. Some of the same old problems popped up again; FSU missed free throws, turned the ball over, and helped the Eagles make it uncomfortably close. And if FGCU didn’t completely struggle from deep (8-for-28 on the night), the outcome may have been very different.

Ultimately, a Bacon free-throw was enough to seal the game.

Player of the Game

Could it be anyone but Bacon? The super sophomore played his best game since the Virginia outing, scoring 25 points on an efficient 11-of-17 shooting night. He also brought down nine rebounds, dished out two assists and stole the ball twice. Whenever, FSU’s offense would sputter, he would get in the lane and get tough baskets.

Jonathan Isaac also deserves major kudos. He had the type of stat line that’s going to make NBA teams salivate: 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three blocks and two steals. On just eight shot attempts. The Seminoles are going to be tough to beat if their two best players maintain that form.

Making their performances all the more important was the fact that junior point guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes was dreadful. He turned the ball over, could not make free throws and he was unable to get his shot to drop. Mayes finished the game with 10 points on 2-for-7 shooting, while missing five of his ten free throw attempts. After being so careful with the ball all season, it was jarring to see him have three ugly turnovers, usually at the worst possible times.

Florida State Seminoles Basketball

But it’s alright. Florida State were able to win regardless, and it’s probably just a one time thing. After all, he’s waited four years for his chance to play in the NCAA Tournament. Nerves had to be running high.

Ryan Reid Unsung Hero Award

Mann was great, but I’m gonna go with Koumadje this time. The sophomore center’s defense (he had four monstrous blocks) and finishing near the rim were huge in the second half. Koumadje ended the night with seven points, three rebounds and two steals, as well.

On a night where Michael Ojo and Jarquez Smith didn’t play their best, it was great to see Koumadje step up. He may be a very important piece going forward.

Highlights

Bake had the highlight dunk of Day One tournament action.

Awesome play from Braian Angola-Rodas and Ojo in the first half.

Up Next

Florida State faces Xavier of the Big East on Saturday. The game will take place in Orlando, and will be the first one of the night. Tip-off is at 6:10 pm ET.

From not making the Tourney for four straight years, to winning a first round game as a 3-seed. What a time! Check back with us on Saturday for our preview. Enjoy the day, ‘Nole fans!