The Daily Nole

Florida State Downs Valdosta State, 104-76

Clint Eiland/The Daily Nole

In the final exhibition game before the 2016 regular season starts, Florida State men’s basketball cruised to a 104-76 victory over the Valdosta State Blazers on Thursday night.

Valdosta State showed early on that it was committing to the full court press in hopes of stopping the fast-paced FSU offense. It worked initially; for about 10 minutes, the Seminoles struggled to move the ball up court effectively and get a comfortable lead. The Valdosta State scheme was disrupting the offensive rhythm, and the Blazers were hitting quick 3-pointers to stay within striking distance.

FSU soon began to pass more effectively out of the fast break and quickly reeled off a 15-2 run that gave the Seminoles momentum before halftime. The Seminoles entered the locker room up 58-32 on 60 percent shooting, compared to Valdosta State’s 30 percent mark.

The Blazers abandoned their defensive strategy at the start of the second half, and FSU took advantage of this fact. The Seminoles realized that the Blazers had trouble defending them on drives to the basket, and it often provoked a foul. With over 15 minutes left in the game, two key contributors (including one starter) for Valdosta State already had four fouls.

This is what allowed athletic hybrids like Jonathan Isaac and Phil Cofer to thrive around the rim. Meanwhile, the FSU defense was fairly strong on initial drives in the paint, but the Seminoles kept allowing offensive rebounds and second chances. At one point, the Blazers only had one less offensive rebound. The FSU offense stagnated around the same time, letting Valdosta State pull to within 15 points.

Florida State then regained its composure and showed noticeably more hustle to loose balls. Increased tenacity meant that Valdosta State was largely unsuccessful in orchestrating a comeback with its offense, allowing FSU to finish the game with a 28-point victory.

FSU Studs

Jonathan Isaac continues to excite fans, going for 20 points on 8-for-12 shooting and four rebounds. Dwayne Bacon finished with 13 points, two rebounds, and five assists, while Xavier Rathan-Mayes chipped in 14 points and four assists.

FSU Duds

C.J. Walker was a bit down from his first exhibition performance, perhaps because of the defense Valdosta State was running. He had four points and three rebounds.

Valiant Foes

Guard Damian Young for Valdosta State was by far the most effective player on offense with 19 points while shooting 50 percent. Beau Justice was also notable with 13 points and four rebounds.

Key Stats

Florida State shot 56 percent overall, compared to Valdosta State’s 36 percent. The Blazers still won the offensive rebounding by a 18-14 margin. The Seminoles had 19 assists total and 56 points in the paint.

Why Did FSU Win?

A strong finish to the first half allowed the Seminoles to build a largely insurmountable lead. The defense prevented Valdosta State from scoring down low and harassed its outside shooters. Florida State’s offense let its talent shine and the stars and slasher routinely had clear lanes to the basket.

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