FSU basketball dominant in final tuneup before ACC play

On paper, this didn’t look like a closely contested game. But after a lackadaisical effort in the previous game, a 53-point beat down didn’t really seem imminent. Though that is exactly what happened, as a hot-shooting Florida State team dominated from the opening tip, winning 98-45.

Southern Miss actually led the game briefly, at 7-6. That was quickly forgotten about as FSU reeled off a 23-2 run, and the rout was on. The ’Noles led 47-21 at the break, never were challenged after the first three minutes, and finished the game with a several minute showing from the walk-ons.

FSU’s torrid shooting nearly led to a team record for made 3s. After freshman Travis Light scored the first points of his career with back-to-back 3s, his attempt for the record came up short. For the game Florida State made 19-36 from beyond the arc, finishing one short of the team record 20.

If you want to pick nits, FSU’s turnover rate of 20.4% was slightly above the season average of 18.9%. Aside from that, it was domination in every phase.

FSU improved to 11-1, while Southern Miss fell to 7-5.

PJ Savoy led all scorers with 17 points on 5-10 3-pt shooting, adding a team high seven rebounds. MJ Walker made 5-8 3s on his way to 15 points. Mfiondu Kabengele returned from his injured ankle to score 12. And Trent Forrest had a career best 12 assists.

FSU now has a long break for Christmas, before traveling to Durham to face No. 4 Duke on December 30th.