Florida State Wins Season Opener Over Colonials, 87-67

Florida State men’s basketball got off to a hot start with a good win over the George Washington Colonials 87-67 on Tuesday night. The numbers reflect some of their dominance: the Seminoles shot 56 percent compared to the Colonials’ 38 percent, and out-rebounded them 37-31 as well.

The first half was overwhelming for George Washington, but it fought valiantly in the second half and never let Florida State get too far ahead. Eight different players got more than 10 minutes and 12 played at least five minutes. Ultimately the game was won down low with Florida State’s offense attacking the rim and the defense imposing its will.

Observations

• Christ Koumadje attacked the basket early. Hamilton clearly feels comfortable with his offensive ability against a team without much size down low. He put up six points in the first five minutes.
• It remains to be seen whether this will be the plan throughout the season, but Florida State maintained a very fast pace against the Colonials. Many shots went up before the 10-second mark on the shot clock.
• Despite losing four starters, the outside shooting might have more options in 2017. Each of Braian Angola-Rodas, M.J. Walker, and P.J. Savoy are legitimate threats that will get more minutes this season.
• Speaking of Angola-Rodas, he looks more refined in his offensive game. He’s aggressive on both ends of the court and could turn out to be a surprising force.
• Florida State needs to be more secure with rebounding the ball. It obviously won the margin Tuesday night, but it seemed that the ball always bounced around a few players before coming up in Florida State’s possession.
• George Washington had no answer for Florida State’s pace. It was gassed with five minutes remaining in the half. The Seminoles gave a lot of people the ball and had seven players with points by halftime.
• Florida State did not appear ready to start the second half. George Washington pulled within 11 points after five minutes. The Seminoles gave up five offensive boards and committed three turnovers.
• Mfiondiu Kabengele was every bit of the athlete he was described as. While he only got 17 minutes, he notched 10 points and looked exciting while doing so. He’s likely to get frustrated later on when facing more talented opponents, but he’s still a promising player.
• The second half was comparatively less captivating than the first. Both teams traded baskets and neither seemed to be getting much of a rhythm going. Florida State slowed down for various reasons, but it wasn’t getting any better looks.
• Terance Mann is such an efficient player that it’s hard to see him not finding a place in the NBA. He can bring pretty much everything to the table. He’ll never be a star, but his floor is super high.
• Koumadje and Ike Obiagu could be a dominant defensive frontcourt if the latter can get more comfortable in his role. Both were major shot disruptors on Tuesday night.
• How lopsided was it inside the paint? Florida State had 52 points there, George Washington had just 20. The Seminoles also totaled eight blocks.

Notable Numbers

Terance Mann (FSU): 17 points (8-for-10), 8 rebounds, 2 assists

Christ Koumadje (FSU): 14 points (7-for-11), 7 rebounds, 5 blocks

Terry Nolan Jr. (GWU): 18 points (8-for-12), 2 rebounds