FSU's offense wasn't clicking, but they used tenacious defense and timely scoring to take a 40-39 lead at the 11:52 mark in the 2nd half. From there forward the offense imploded - when FSU wasn't turning the ball over they were abandoning the interior game which got them the lead and trading that for ill advised three point shots. Michigan State closed the game on a 27-9 run and won 65-49, extending FSU's losing streak to three.
For the night FSU turned the ball over 18 times in 63 possessions (28.6%). Jeff Peterson, Xavier Gibson and Michael Snaer all accounted for four each. At this point - 8 games into the season - it's clear FSU is headed for the worst turnover rate of Leonard Hamilton's career. And if something doesn't change then the Seminoles are a bubble team yet again. The good news is that FSU only has three more games before the return of Ian Miller. Desperate for another ball handler, and desperate for someone who can break down defenses - Miller provides both. The question is how willing Leonard Hamilton will be to play him.
Despite abandoning the interior shot FSU converted 50% of their 2s. They made only 20% of their 3s, and went to the line just six times. Defensively, FSU broke down repeatedly and gave up open three pointers. The Spartans made FSU pay by shooting 42% for the night on 3s. They also made 15-20 free throws. Michigan State is the 2nd consecutive team to score greater than a point per possession against FSU. That hasn't happened back-to-back in 48 games.
Bernard James had his 4th double-double of the season with 13 points and 12 boards. Keith Appling led Michigan State with a career high 24 points.
FSU is off until next Monday when they face Charleston Southern, a team who's only Division I win is over Stetson.