FSU takes Maryland behind the woodshed

It took more than three minutes for either team to score, but once FSU did - on a Devon Bookert 3-pointer with 16:50 left in the half - they wouldn't look back. The Noles never trailed in this game and were up double digits with more than five minutes to go in the half. They took a 20-point lead into the break, and stretched the second half margin to as much as 31 before finishing the Terps 85-61.

In the preview we noted that Maryland is a tough team to score against at the rim, and to loosen that defense up FSU would get open 3s, and the key was knocking them down. Well, they did that and more. Starting with Bookert's three to open the scoring, the Noles went on a streak where they made 10-11 3s. For the night they made 16-24 (67%), and I don't care who you're playing on what you do on the other end, if you shoot like that you win.

But this is a Leonard Hamilton coached team, so you know they're not going to let up on the defensive end. Even with Maryland's late run against the walk-ons, FSU held them below 0.90 points per possession for just the third time this season, this despite the Terps shooting 34 free throws.

It was an all around, dominating effort, and I'm not sure the 24 point margin accurately reflects how soundly Maryland was beaten.

Ian Miller led all scorers with 20 points (6-8 on 3s), and added five assists, five rebounds and just one turnover. Okaro White had 15 points and eight boards, Aaron Thomas had 14, Montay Brandon had 13, and Devon Bookert not only had 12 points and 6 assists, but he may have shaken his six week long shooting slump by making 3-4 3s.

The Noles are now 11-4, 2-1, and after playing a team that doesn't mind running, they now get Miami (the slowest team in the nation) and Virginia in back-to-back road games.