FSU 72 Tarleton State 52 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good
With the win, FSU moves to 3-0 on the season. The last time the 'Noles started a season` 3-0 was in 2020. It also improves the Seminoles' record against the Texans to 1-0. Yes, it was the first meeting between the two teams. In fact, it was the first meeting in any sport. A tale of two different halves, the first period saw the 'Noles play a very sloppy game filled with turnovers and holding only a five point lead (33-28) at intermission against a very outmanned Tarleton squad. The Texans were down four players due to injuries and only had ten available. The second period, the defense really took over pressuring the ball more and completely stymied Tarleton's offense.
Scoring by committee. No Seminoles finished in double figures. But 14 players made it onto the floor, 13 scored.
The much improved effort in the second half in particular on defense. By the time half of the period had expired, FSU outscored the Texans, 21-7. From the 13:38 mark to the 4:26 left on the clock, Tarleton did not score a single FG.
The half time coaches' speech in the locker room. While Bostyn Holt did not offer any direct quotes, he made it clear the staff was not pleased with the team's performance over the first twenty minutes. As Holt said, a single digit lead against Tarleton was simply "unacceptable" especially when you clearly have the better talent.
The 2nd unit who outplayed the starters. They were more active defensively (not that the starter's defense was bad) and had more highlight reel plays.
Just have to mention separately the play of Malique Ewin. Yes, he fouls too much so far. But I like his athleticism, how he runs the floor, and his footwork around the rim.
Plays of the game: Chandler Jackson's wide open three from above the key with the assist to Holt. The behind the back pass to Taylor Bol Bowen. It was a nice play but an even better block by Chris Mpaka. Jerry Deng's uncontested lay up with the assist to Justin Thomas, 28-23. Followed by Thomas blowing through the defense for the lay up, 30-23. Ewin's drive to the rim along the baseline and the nice spin move cutting between two defenders for the lay up, 39-28. Freshman Amier Maluk showing his knowledge of the fundamentals by not bringing the ball down on an offensive rebound but instead keeping it high allowing him to make the lay up over the defender on him, 43-31. The 4 on 1 fast break, REALLY fast break, started by Maluk's steal who then was rewarded with the lob pass from Deng, 49-33. Christian Nitu's blocked shot starting the break and the bullet pass from DaQuan Davis to Bol Bowen for the slam, 62-38. Have to mention the Texan's Izzy Miles picking up his 4th foul with 4:15 left in the first half, staying in the game the rest of the period, starts the second and promptly fouls out just eleven seconds into the half. You don't see that very often. If at all.
The Bad
Jamir Watkins with a so-so game at best. He had four total turnovers with two in the first 4 minutes of the game. He finished with 8 points and was 1-5 from the floor. To say he drew a lot of attention every time he touched the ball would be an understatement.
Fouling. FSU is doing way too much of it (20-28 tonight). That is of course being offset by the Seminoles forcing contact and drawing a lot of fouls (24-38).
In his post game show, Leonard Hamilton called it moments. The team will have moments when play on the floor is clicking. And then there are those moments when it anything but. Obviously the goal will be too decrease those moments when things are screwy.
Hamilton also mentioned ball movement. As he said, guys were trying to make the play before the pass. Just not in sync pressing and forcing too much on offense especially in the first half.
The Ugly
I am not sure I have mentioned this before, but 3 point shooting. OMG!!!! 4-21 (a new low for the season at just 19%) including just 1-11 in the second half. That issue is certainly noticed by Hamilton who commented that it is a mystery to him why FSU shoots so poorly in games.
Turnovers .... 16 of them. Thankfully Tarleton was very inept in scoring points off the miscues. Many were from good defensive plays by Tarleton. FSU however just could not seem to avoid working themselves into situations that led to the turnover. A reflection of the lack of ball movement.
Jackson air mailing the ball to the bench. Obvious miscommunication there as his teammate was cutting to the rim as Jackson launched the pass.
So the DLTCC has a new floor. And with the weather as it is currently, it is a slippery floor. Hope they solve that issue quickly.
Up Next
That team that wears that God awful color combination of eye blinding bright orange and nauseating neon blue comes to Tallahassee on Friday for a 6 PM (yes, 6 PM) tip off. The game will be aired on the ACCN. The 20th ranked gatros (their ...) aka crocs of XXVI are 3-0 and easily handled all three opponents.
