CJ Walker easily had his best game as a Seminole. It was the sixth time in 39 career games that he scored in double figures. His 24 points eclipsed his previous career high of 13, and was also the highest point total for a Seminole this season. His four steals were a career high, as were his 11 free throw attempts. From his freshman to sophomore seasons, he’s now improved his 2pt%, 3pt%, FT%, FD/40, and several other categories. He is the best FSU player attacking off the dribble, and if he can consistently knock down outside shots, we’ll start seeing more of these games from him.
Despite five dunks, the Seminoles struggled around the rim, making just 47.6% of their 2s. On the year, FSU has made 61.3% of 2s, which is 9th best nationally.
FSU turned it over on a season low 12.9% of possessions. In the first two games of the season, the ‘Noles turned it over on 23.6% of possessions, but since then that rate has dropped to just 15.2%. For reference, across all of college basketball teams turn the ball over on 19.4% of possessions.
Defensive rebounding continues to be the Achilles heel of this team, and if they don’t get it worked out then a trip to the NIT is likely. Last night Rutgers outscored Florida State 18-4 on 2nd chance opportunities and Deshawn Freeman had a career high eight offensive rebounds.
FSU defeated Rutgers 78-73 in a 70 possession game. Prior to this game, the Scarlet Knights hadn’t even come close to giving up a point per possession on defense. The FSU defense, meanwhile, has now given up more than a point per possession in two of the past three games (to bad offenses), and have to travel to Gainesville on Monday where they will face the No. 9 offense in the country.
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