RECAP: FSU Basketball Picks Up Big Win On the Road at Syracuse
Big time win on the road, but it wasn't always easy in this game. It shouldn't be in the ACC, but Florida State made it look that way down the stretch.
In a game with two teams that are almost identical statistically, it's bound to be a close game early, and it was throughout the first half. There were 6 lead changes and 6 ties alone in the first 20 minutes, with neither team taking a lead of larger than 7.
Jamir Watkins and Judah Mintz were doing a great job of getting to the basket and drawing fouls, but not very good at making those free throws, ending the half with 12 points apiece and 'Cuse taking a 36-35 lead. That score was controversial as Baba Miller was called for a goaltend on what looked to be a clean block. Officials reviewed it and said it was clean, but I still don't know.
It was clear the whistle was going to continue in Syracuse's favor in the second half. Mintz shot four free throws in the first few minutes of the second half, including one on a very questionable foul call on Baba Miller that gave him an early 3rd foul. Florida State didn't go away after a slow start to the half, though. 'Cuse had broken open a 44-37 lead before the 'Noles responded with a 9-2 run to tie the game again with about 14 minutes remaining, but 'Cuse responded with a few points to lead by 4 with 13:19 left. The rest was all Seminoles.
Florida State started to speed Mintz up by showing two defenders in the backcourt, either making him give it up or go faster. Either way, that played in FSU's favor. The 'Noles were creating turnovers, getting out in transition, and finding answers for whatever defense the Orange tried to throw at them. Next thing you know, Florida State is up 20 and cruise in the final minutes to an 85-69 win, outscoring Syracuse 38-17 over the final 13:19.
In a game against the best team in the ACC at forcing turnovers (other than Florida State), the 'Noles turned it over just 9 times for a 12.5% turnover rate, a fantastic result. On the other end, they forced a 22.5% turnover rate from the Orange. Their ball pressure and depth really wore down Mintz and JJ Starling, who combined for 6 turnovers alone.
Have a night Jamir Watkins: career-high 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals. He simply could not be stopped. When he wanted to get to the basket, he got to the basket. When he wanted free throws, he got free throws. Of course, you'd like for his turnover number to be lower, but when the rest of the team has just four turnovers combined, you live with it.
Cameron Corhen opened the game down low with his ability to score, and he was the beneficiary of some completed lob passes by Primo Spears and Jalen Warley. Spears, who had 13 points and a season-high 6 assists, had struggled with his lob passes all season, and seeing them convert was a welcome sign. Corhen finished with 10 points and 5 rebounds in just 19 minutes.
Baba Miller is finally learning he can score on anyone when he puts his mind to it, with 12 points on 5/7 shooting. He dealt with some foul trouble, but I do like the way he's played recently.
I also want to give some credit to Darin Green Jr, who wasn't the most efficient at scoring the basketball, but he was a little more willing to get to the basket and had another 4 steals in this game.
Judah Mintz was dynamic in the first half and the first few minutes of the second half, but once FSU forced him to start giving the ball up, it was a much different ball game. He still finished with 28 points but also had more turnovers (4) than assists (3). The only other player for 'Cuse in double figures was JJ Starling with 10, but it took 14 shot attempts and 4 free throws to get there.
Next up, a rematch with North Carolina on Saturday in the Tucker Center, as the top two teams in the ACC go head-to-head.
READ MORE: FSU Football Staffer Expected To Take Position With SEC School
Stick with NoleGameday for more coverage of Florida State basketball throughout the season.
