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- FSU forced 24 turnovers, which was 33% of the North Florida possessions. This was the most they’ve turned it over this season. In the preview we mentioned their PG issues, and they were on full display last night. In 31 games last year, the ‘Noles only turned over one opponent more often - that was South Florida (34%). It was the highest TO% in an opener since Nicholls State in 2007.
- After starting the final 21 games in 2019-20, RayQuan Gray was once again in the starting lineup. He was not only a stat stuffer (8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals), but he also had a nifty drive which he finished with a dunk. He only had seven dunks in his first two seasons, so it was good to see him playing above the rim.
- The debut of Scottie Barnes 1-and-done freshman season got off to an interesting start. He played the 2nd most minutes and led the team with six rebounds and six assists. The last player to score at least 8 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 6 assists was Trent Forrest last year against Miami. In the postgame, Leonard Hamilton complemented Barnes’ ability to affect the game without scoring.
- Florida State had 17 offensive rebounds which led to 19 second chance points. Their offensive rebounding % (47.2%) is 2nd in the nation! Of course, FSU has only played one game against an overmatched opponent. FSU was 31st nationally in OR% last year, and that will continue to be a key part of the Florida State offense.
- Normally I focus on the final score for point No. 5, but in this case the fast break points have to be highlighted. FSU won that category 17-0. North Florida hunts for 3-pointers in transition, but Florida State did a solid job of taking that away. What FSU did not do well was taking away 3s in half court sets. Only three teams all last season attempted more 3s in a game than UNF (27), and only one team made more than the Ospreys (11).