FSU basketball dominates second half against Tarleton State to remain unbeaten

FSU basketball remained undefeated with a dominant 72-52 win over the Tarleton State Texans on Tuesday night in front of the home crowd. FSU got off to a slow start, only holding a 33-28 lead at the half.

However, the Noles started the second half with a 9-0 run over the first four minutes and change to take a commanding lead and never look back to cover the 16.5 betting spread.

FSU continues to struggle from the three-point line, only making 4-21 attempts, but did most of its damage in the paint.

FSU scored 34 points inside and got to the free-throw line 38 times, making 24 attempts (63.2 percent). That's another area they must improve if they want to beat any good teams this year. FSU shot 44 percent from the floor overall but turned the ball over 16 times. That's way too many turnovers against a team the caliber of Tarleton State.

The Noles outscored the Texans 39-24 in the second half.

FSU continues to use its defense for offense, forcing 21 turnovers, with 13 steals that turned into 18 points off of turnovers. They held the Texans to 31 percent shooting overall and 26.7 percent from the three-point line. Tarleton State came into the game shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.

It was a team effort offensively, with several players stuffing the state sheet. Jamir Watkins, Bostyn Holt, and Chandler Jackson had eight points. Daquan Davis led all FSU scorers with nine points and Justin Thomas had seven points.

The Noles will have a quick turnaround when the rival Florida Gators on Friday at 6 p.m.