2nd half run fuels rout for FSU basketball

The Detroit Mercy defense did what they could to slow down Florida State’s potent transition attack. They switched looks. They repeatedly slapped the ball away after made baskets. They played as physical as the refs would allow.

But in the end, it was the same formula we’ve seen through the first three games. Detroit hung around for a while, and then FSU poured it on down the stretch when the Titans were worn out.

A Trent Forrest slam in the final minute pushed FSU to the century mark in back-to-back games for the first time since 1990, and the ‘Noles won 100-71.

FSU’s offense is now averaging 96.8 points per game.

Detroit hung around for about 10 minutes, trailing just 20-19 after consecutive 3s. That’s when FSU made their first big move of the game, reeling off a 17-2 run to take control.

The Seminoles led 48-35 at the break.

The 2nd half started with Detroit hanging around, and they even cut the lead to single digits with 13:13 to play. But the ‘Noles had another big spurt in them, this time breaking out with a 22-2 run to put the game out of reach.

That run was fueled primarily by the Titans being sloppy with the ball, which is what happens when you get tired. FSU’s waves of substitutions were able to keep the ‘Noles fresh, which has been the key to their 4-0 start to the season.

Dwayne Bacon led all scorers with 22 points and at times was unstoppable going to the rim. Jonathan Isaac had his first career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He was also very disruptive on defense. Terance Mann scored 11, and Xavier Rathan-Mayes, who made FSU’s lone 3-pointer, scored 10. Trent Forrest continued to be a force on defense, tipping numerous balls, and grabbing four steals for himself to go along with 12 points. The ‘Noles 3-man rotation at center combined for 18 points and 15 rebounds.

Florida State will now get a bit of rest before travelling to Brooklyn to face Temple on Thanksgiving day.