Scoring over 90 points for the first time since 2007, the Seminoles won their 5th game in a row in decisive fashion over Leonard Hamilton's alma mater UT-Martin. The Seminoles could have easily been sluggish, unfocused or not motivated, especially after the big win Sunday evening in Atlanta. That was not the case. Leonard Hamilton's squad came out at full speed and made it clear there would be no let downs tonight.
The Seminoles didn't allow the Skyhawks for the first six minutes of the game, going on a 23-2 run in the fist 8 minutes of the game. Allowing only 28 points in the firs half, FSU held UT-Martin to 36.8% shooting on the night. The Skyhawks only made 25 shots on the night, 12 of which were from behind the arc. Down by 23 at the half, the Skyhawks started shooting three pointers at every opportunity, hoisting up 15 shots behind the arc in the second half. In fact, the Seminoles only outscored the Skyhawks by 4 points in the second half.
The game started out at a frenetic pace as the Seminoles pushed the ball up court after each Skyhakw miss, making the most of every opportunity. The benefit of the large lead in the first few minutes of the game was the significant minutes that the likes of Terrance Shannon and Michael Snaer were able to play. Both players had very productive nights. Snaer played 22 minutes, went 6-11 from the floor finishing with a team high 18 points. He also had two rebounds and two assists with three turnovers. Shannon played 17 minutes, went 5-6 scoring 11 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. He also had two blocks. The Noles had 6 players in double digits. Ryan Reid did not play tonight as he is recovering from an illness. It should also be noted that Luke Loucks had seven assists and only one turnover.
The star for UT-Martin was Marquis Weddle who scored 27 points off the bench. He went 11-21 from the floor, going 5-10 from behind the arc. Benzor Simmons contributed with 15 and Reuben Clayton had 17 (15 of which came off three point shots).
This was the 11th game this year that the Seminoles held their opponent to a FG% of 40 or less. The only two teams to shoot better than that were Florida and Ohio State. Tonight was also the most turnovers that the Seminoles had forced all year: 21.
Putting the margin of victory aside, this was a good win for the Seminoles in that it allowed Terrance Shannon and Michael Snaer get significant minutes. This will only help the Seminoles as they prepare for conference play. The Seminoles go on break until December 31st when Alabama A&M enters the Tucker Center.