FSU 73 Rice 65 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good
With the win, FSU improves to 2-0 on the season. It is the 17th time FSU has started the season at 2-0 under Leonard Hamilton. It also improves FSU's record against Rice to 6-2 (in case you are interested and I'm sure your are, FSU's last game vs the Owls was in 1997 also a Seminole victory, 65-53). This was a game between two teams that have similarities. Both feature long and lanky athletes and both had a large roster turnover with double digit newcomers on the bench. Each team plays a lot of guys and tonight was no exception as FSU played 13 and Rice 11.
The defense. Leonard Hamilton called it solid tonight. And it was as the Seminoles numerous times held Rice scoreless for long periods of time. Such as the nearly 8 minute span from the 8:08 mark of the first half to 50 seconds left in the period. Consistent pressure forced Rice in to 17 turnovers, 13 in the first half that helped FSU build a 33-23 halftime lead.
There is no doubt about who the player of the game was, Jamir Watkins. Shooting 50% from the floor (7-14, 2-4) to go along with 14-22 FTs, Watkins for the second time in his FSU career recorded a game high 30 points. To go along with that he added 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 blocked shot. The senior made a statement right from the start scoring 8 of FSU's first 10 points. His performance puts him in the running for MVP of the Battleground 2K tournament. Should he win the award (depending on the outcome of the Auburn/Houston game) he will win ................... A MATTRESS!!!!! After not going to the line at all against Northern Kentucky, Watkins played much more physically taking on the contact. The result was drawing a lot of fouls.
Taylor Bol Bowen. While not scoring in double digits (just 6), he pulled down a game high 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
Malique Ewin finally scoring his first points at FSU, 11, all in the second half coming at a point where the 'Noles needed to get separation from the Owls. . He also had 7 boards and added two assists. Rice constantly double teamed him every time he got the ball. But to Ewin's credit, he remained composed and made smart passes out of the double teams.
Plays of the game: Watkins' slam dunk off Bol Bowen's rebound and the quick outlet pass, 24-17. Watkins high in the air blocking Alem Huseinovic's shot with authority, 41-36. AJ Swinton's slam off the dart like alley oop pass from Justin Thomas, 46-40. Daquan Davis' one handed putback off of Bol Bowen's missed three pointer. Ewin's slam dunk to get FSU back the double digit lead, 62-52. Watkins slam dunk where the Rice defense looked like the parting of the Red Sea, 68-53.
The Bad
Jerry Deng dribbling. At 6-9 unless you are Magic Johnson, perhaps it would be best if you did not put the ball on the floor. And then he compounded the turnover by fouling the Owl who stole the ball.
The start to the second half that saw Rice go on a 9-0 run to close it to 33-32. Hamilton promptly called a time out.
Playing Jamir 35 minutes. Can't keep doing that every game.
You know Leonard, he is always not going to be pleased with something. In this case, being tougher on the boards and not making great decisions passing the ball. Also the offense needs work he said. Isn't that the case for every team all season long?
The Ugly
Memo to Bol Bowen: Recall last season when you were 7-33 from the arc? Tonight ...... 0-3. Please either make some or don't shoot them.
See if you can guess what this stat represents. 5-19, 26%. If you said three point shooting by FSU, you win. Unfortunately you will not be getting a mattress.
A game that tipped off at 7:01 EST finished at 9:34 EST. When you take 65 FTs combined, that is what you are going to get.
Anastasios Rozakeas checked in for his first playing time of the season with 1:47 left in the game. Exactly 8 seconds later he picked up his first career foul.
Up Next
Tarleton State (extra credit if you know their nickname) comes to town on Tuesday for a 7 PM tip off. The game will be shown on the ACCNX. The Texans (yes, that is their nickname which is very appropriate since they are located in Stephenville, Tx) are currently 0-2 having lost to SMU and Sam Houston, 96-62 and 91-62 respectively.
The Good
With the win, FSU improves to 2-0 on the season. It is the 17th time FSU has started the season at 2-0 under Leonard Hamilton. It also improves FSU's record against Rice to 6-2 (in case you are interested and I'm sure your are, FSU's last game vs the Owls was in 1997 also a Seminole victory, 65-53). This was a game between two teams that have similarities. Both feature long and lanky athletes and both had a large roster turnover with double digit newcomers on the bench. Each team plays a lot of guys and tonight was no exception as FSU played 13 and Rice 11.
The defense. Leonard Hamilton called it solid tonight. And it was as the Seminoles numerous times held Rice scoreless for long periods of time. Such as the nearly 8 minute span from the 8:08 mark of the first half to 50 seconds left in the period. Consistent pressure forced Rice in to 17 turnovers, 13 in the first half that helped FSU build a 33-23 halftime lead.
There is no doubt about who the player of the game was, Jamir Watkins. Shooting 50% from the floor (7-14, 2-4) to go along with 14-22 FTs, Watkins for the second time in his FSU career recorded a game high 30 points. To go along with that he added 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, and 1 blocked shot. The senior made a statement right from the start scoring 8 of FSU's first 10 points. His performance puts him in the running for MVP of the Battleground 2K tournament. Should he win the award (depending on the outcome of the Auburn/Houston game) he will win ................... A MATTRESS!!!!! After not going to the line at all against Northern Kentucky, Watkins played much more physically taking on the contact. The result was drawing a lot of fouls.
Taylor Bol Bowen. While not scoring in double digits (just 6), he pulled down a game high 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
Malique Ewin finally scoring his first points at FSU, 11, all in the second half coming at a point where the 'Noles needed to get separation from the Owls. . He also had 7 boards and added two assists. Rice constantly double teamed him every time he got the ball. But to Ewin's credit, he remained composed and made smart passes out of the double teams.
Plays of the game: Watkins' slam dunk off Bol Bowen's rebound and the quick outlet pass, 24-17. Watkins high in the air blocking Alem Huseinovic's shot with authority, 41-36. AJ Swinton's slam off the dart like alley oop pass from Justin Thomas, 46-40. Daquan Davis' one handed putback off of Bol Bowen's missed three pointer. Ewin's slam dunk to get FSU back the double digit lead, 62-52. Watkins slam dunk where the Rice defense looked like the parting of the Red Sea, 68-53.
The Bad
Jerry Deng dribbling. At 6-9 unless you are Magic Johnson, perhaps it would be best if you did not put the ball on the floor. And then he compounded the turnover by fouling the Owl who stole the ball.
The start to the second half that saw Rice go on a 9-0 run to close it to 33-32. Hamilton promptly called a time out.
Playing Jamir 35 minutes. Can't keep doing that every game.
You know Leonard, he is always not going to be pleased with something. In this case, being tougher on the boards and not making great decisions passing the ball. Also the offense needs work he said. Isn't that the case for every team all season long?
The Ugly
Memo to Bol Bowen: Recall last season when you were 7-33 from the arc? Tonight ...... 0-3. Please either make some or don't shoot them.
See if you can guess what this stat represents. 5-19, 26%. If you said three point shooting by FSU, you win. Unfortunately you will not be getting a mattress.
A game that tipped off at 7:01 EST finished at 9:34 EST. When you take 65 FTs combined, that is what you are going to get.
Anastasios Rozakeas checked in for his first playing time of the season with 1:47 left in the game. Exactly 8 seconds later he picked up his first career foul.
Up Next
Tarleton State (extra credit if you know their nickname) comes to town on Tuesday for a 7 PM tip off. The game will be shown on the ACCNX. The Texans (yes, that is their nickname which is very appropriate since they are located in Stephenville, Tx) are currently 0-2 having lost to SMU and Sam Houston, 96-62 and 91-62 respectively.
