RECAP: Florida State Upsets No. 18 Colorado in Overtime, Wins Sunshine Slam and Extends NCAA Record

The Seminoles pulled off a massive upset to secure first place in the Sunshine Slam Tournament.

What a win. What a win for Leonard Hamilton and this program. 

Florida State wasn't even competitive in games like these last year, much less winning them. For the Seminoles to come into this game against a really good Colorado team and come out with a win is massive for the confidence of the guys. 

This was as back and forth as it gets, with 9 lead changes and it being tied 13 different times. Florida State led by as much as 10 points early on in the second half, but Colorado stormed back and even took a lead a few times down the stretch. But the 'Noles didn't crumble like they did so many times last season. They held strong and came away with their 14th consecutive overtime win, 77-71, extending their NCAA record. 

Florida State vs Colorado Sunshine Slam Box Score, FSU Wins in Overtime 77-71 / Florida State StatBroadcast

How many times have I said an aggressive Jalen Warley is a good Jalen Warley? 19 points, while shooting 7/11 from the floor, is exactly what you want to see from him. Still needs to work on the free throws, but at least he's willing to get to the free-throw line. Throw in three steals from the junior, and that's a good-looking box score. 

Jamir Watkins continues to do whatever is necessary to win, including his first double-double in Tallahassee: 18 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals. What a productive game for him. He just does everything and anything required. The staff giving him the trust for the final shot in regulation tells me a lot, and even if he didn't make the right decision, the staff is trusting him early. For good reason, he was named Sunshine Slam Tournament MVP. 

De'Ante Green was massive for FSU in relief of Cam Corhen, who didn't play in the second half with what looks like a foot injury and came away with 10 points. He did a good job of rolling to the basket and moving the ball around the perimeter, directing traffic. He's developed into a quality player, and FSU has very interesting big-man rotation with him, Corhen, and Jaylan Gainey when he's healthy. I'm excited about their potential. 

Darin Green Jr, who is not De'Ante's brother, was inefficient with his 12 points, but knocked down shots when they mattered most. His three in overtime was a massive shot to push the lead to 9. 

I was super impressed with the defense in this game. I know, Colorado had 19 offensive rebounds, but they only had 11 second-chance points, and that matters as much as anything. It fits a theme of the early season, FSU will allow the offensive boards, but if they're keeping second-chance points hard to come by, it doesn't really matter. Heck, Florida State had 8 second-chance points on just 5 offensive rebounds. 

The defense held KJ Simpson to 15 points on 5/22 shooting and Tristan Da Silva to 8 points on 2/9 shooting and 6 turnovers, two NBA prospects,, a really impressive display overall. Colorado was one of the most efficient offenses in the country entering this game, and shot 34.7% from the floor and just 38.5% on 2s. They entered the game shooting 48% from 3, and were held to just 5/20 for 25%. Such a superb job overall by the defense. If not for the freshman Cody Williams, Colorado really struggles in this game. 

The things I said that had to happen, happened. Turnover rate north of 20% was accomplished at 25%. FSU's 17 steals are the second most ever under Leonard Hamilton. Moving the ball efficiently was more or less accomplished, with an assist rate of 44.4%, tied for the highest assist rate Colorado has allowed this season. And they did a great job containing the dribble and forcing misses inside, as Colorado's 38.5% inside the arc is their lowest of the season. FSU had to make this game ugly to win it, and they did. 

Florida State still has plenty to clean up, like their free throw shooting, but they didn't get their 4th win until December 21st last season. It's November 21 and FSU is 4-1. 

The Seminoles will get a week off and will come back after Thanksgiving for the ACC/SEC Challenge at home against Georgia on Wednesday. 

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