The Florida State basketball team refuses to back down. With two recent big wins against UNC and UM they’re ready to take on #7 Duke. This team is a powerhouse and Head Coach Hamilton is leading them to the top game by game.
No sleep, no problem. With only a single day of rest after their game against Virginia Tech, the Florida State Seminoles took on the North Carolina Tarheels on Monday, February 3. Having sold out the student section within hours 10,015 fans filed into Donald Tucker Civic Center for the 7 o’clock game. Numerous fans dressed head to toe in garnet and gold cheered the noles to victory. The Noles showed no sign of fatigue and played a good game across the board.
The Seminoles’ offense started off slow, but the defense stepped up for them and they were able to hold back the Tarheels’ offense. Senior Trent Forrest kept FSU in the running from the start as he put up 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and a steal. Freshman Patrick Williams, from Charlotte, had a standout game also with 14 points and 9 rebounds against a team from his home state. It was his first double-digit scoring game of 2020.
Devin Vessel who usually scores double-digits came up short in the game with only 6 points, ending his 8-game streak of 10 or more points. In all, 3 players scored double-digit in Monday nights game.
The Tarheels had their star player Cole Anthony back who played a great game and put 16 points on the board, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists. But despite having him back, they lost their heat in the seconds half. Not far behind Anthony was Christian Keeling with 14 points and 2 rebounds. During the seconds half the Tarheels went 11 minutes without a made field goal. Down by 4, the Seminoles used this time to get up by 10. They shot 50% after halftime and UNC only 28.2%.
The Seminoles beat the Tarheels 65-59, winning their 11th straight home game. Head coach Leonard Hamilton stated, “I always use the term we win games by committee”. Each player made their contribution to the game and came together to get another win. Although the Seminoles only have 3 losses this season Coach Ham stated, “we’re so far away from peaking”. He’s ready to get them back to work and push them to perform under pressure. Slow and steady wins the race and FSU is making their way to the top game by game.
12,100 seats in the Donald Tucker Civic Center 11,500 fans showed up for the noon game on Saturday, February 8th. The student section also sold out within hours they were loud and ready to go. Holding cardboard cutouts of the players and Leonard Hamilton approved “Hamsterdam” shirts.
Unlike a strong defense against the Tarheels, the Seminoles defense had a slow start the first half. The Miami Hurricanes started off strong with a 10-2 lead. This was a game where every player stepped in to make this win happen. Redshirt sophomore Wyatt Wilkes had a great first half off the bench with 11 points. It was a close game the first half with each team scoring after one another. The Seminoles got the last shot at the end of the first half leading the game 50-47.
Both teams played the first half strong, but the Seminoles took off running int he seconds half and didn’t look back. Keeping a big lead, this is a team full of love and support. Devin Vessel had a better game with 13 points and 5 rebounds. ACC Network broadcasters said he was the player of the game. Patrick Williams played a good game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, a steal, a block, and an assist. M.J. Walker also ended the game with 14 points as well as 2 rebounds an assist, and a steal. Trent Forrest with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
Florida State basketball had a big lead towards the end of the game. Travis Light the unsung hero had two 3’s down the stretch which had the entire area going crazy including all the team members on the sidelines. This team has so much support for each other which is what a winning team needs. There’s no better feeling than seeing the starters go crazy on the bench when their teammates score.
After the game, Devin Vessel said this win will give confidence for some people coming off the bench. FSU had 54 bench points whereas UM only had 11, which set FSU apart from Miami the most. A big win for the Seminoles 99-81, it was their 5th consecutive season with 20 plus wins. It was also the fastest they’ve made it to 20 wins in a season. A true powerhouse that will keep improving.
With not much time for rest, the Florida State basketball team is headed to North Carolina to take on #7 Duke Blue Devils Monday at 7pm.
The Florida State basketball team has focused on coming together and letting all players contribute to each game. They have a lot of phenomenal players who are dedicated to getting to #1. The team headed to North Carolina on Sunday and they look like they’re ready to play hard. Although it’s an away game the fans will gather around bars, restaurants, and their homes to keep cheering them on. It’s time that FSU gets recognized for its outstanding basketball team. Let’s go ‘Noles!
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