FSU beats Charlotte 106-62

The last team that tried to run with FSU was Virginia Commonwealth, and they were down by as many as 30 in the 2nd half. Tonight Charlotte refused to change their offensive identify, and they too opted to play a transition game with the Noles. Charlotte scored the opening three of the game, and from that point on it was 106-59 FSU.

It's not just that FSU's offense flows better in up and down affairs, but the defense thrives as well. FSU is long and excellent at jumping passing lanes, so when teams get going too fast the Noles are typically in a position to make them pay. The Noles forced 19 turnovers in a 75 possession game.

FSU (7-3) dominated every facet of this thing. They shot better. They rebounded better. They took care of the ball. I'm not sure the game was as close as the score indicated. Charlotte had two players kicked out of the game. Pierria Henry picked up a technical for jawing after dunking on Ojo, and then he wouldn't shut up the entire time he was walking to the other end of the court, so he picked up a 2nd technical. Later, Willie Clayton picked up a Flagrant 2 for elbowing Robert Gilchrist in the chin. Credit FSU players for staying completely poised throughout the game.

As we noted in the preview, this was likely to be the type of game where Aaron Thomas and Ian Miller shined. Thomas had a new career high with four minutes left in the first half, eventually finishing with 26 points and 7 rebounds. And Ian Miller added 18 points in 18 minutes.

Okaro White had his 3rd double-double of the year with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Robert Gilchrist and Boris Bojanovsky each scored 11. Bojo's consecutive FG streak ended at 18, and he made 5-6 from the field and is now shooting 78% from the field.

Devon Bookert's shooting woes continued, but he did have 8 assists, 3 steals, and just one turnover.

Now the Noles have a few days off before a huge matchup in Miami on Saturday against No. 20/22 UMass.