The Daily Nole

FSU Handles Saint Louis in Orange Bowl Classic, 81-59

wlpearce.com/FSU athletics

For the third straight season, Florida State is 11-1 through 12 games.

No. 11 FSU was in control for most of the day in Sunrise as it dominated Saint Louis in the Orange Bowl Classic on Saturday, 81-59. The Seminoles led 40-25 at the break and by as many as 28 in the second half before the Billikens (8-4) were able to cash in on a slew of late FSU turnovers.

With exception of the late-game sloppiness, it was a good day for FSU on both ends of the floor. The Seminoles shot 55 percent as a team and 10-for-18 from deep while holding Saint Louis to less than 33 percent from the floor. The teams did combine for 38 turnovers with FSU accounting for 20 of them.

David Nichols came off the bench to lead FSU with a game-high 19 points on 7-for-11 shooting and 4 of 7 from deep, although he did commit a game-high six turnovers. Terance Mann sparked the Seminoles early before finishing with 17 points and seven rebounds. Trent Forrest added 10 points to go with four assists and three steals. Senior Phil Cofer scored his first points of the season, finishing with seven points in just his second game back from injury.

Javon Bess paced Saint Louis with 16 points, although it came on just 6-for-18 shooting. Freshman forward Carte’Are Gordon had the most efficient day for the Billikens, scoring 14 points on 5-for-9 shooting.

Saint Louis will return home to face Appalachian State on Dec. 30. FSU wraps up non-conference play by hosting Winthrop on Jan. 1.

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply