FSU basketball started 2025 with a 90-74 blowout win over the Syracuse Orange in the Tucker Center on Saturday night. The Noles easily covered the -8.5 betting spread behind a balanced offensive attack.
They had four players in double figures, led by Daquan Davis' 18 points. Jamir Watkins had 16, and Taylor Bol Bowen and Malique Ewin had 14 points each. Bowen led the charge on the glass with 10 boards for the double-double.
FSU led 36-34 at halftime, but the Noles slowly pulled away in the second half, forcing Syracuse to shoot jump shots and three-pointers. The FSU defense forced 15 turnovers and held Syracuse to 44 percent shooting overall.
FSU shot 31 free throws, making 23 (74 percent).
FSU shot 54 percent overall and 39 percent from the three-point line. They were also +3 on the boards. All three areas were well above the seasonal averages for the Noles. As I said in the preview, FSU has feasted on mediocre teams, and it was good to see that trend continue for the Noles after a long holiday break.
The ACC isn't as deep as it used to be as a conference, with teams like North Carolina and others struggling. They'll have a shot to be in the upper half of the league if they continue playing at this level. FSU will have a big game next outing when they travel to face the rival Miami Hurricanes on Wednesday night.
Miami's coach just stepped down and after they were already struggling. It'll be a prime opportunity for the Noles to get another win in the rivalry that FSU has dominated over the past few seasons.