Florida State (11-2) defeated Jacksonville (6-5) by a 97-74 score tonight in Tallahassee.
Game Recap
Florida State started the game strong blitzing the Dolphins with a quick 8-0 run. Priscilla Williams broke the run with a pair of free throws. However, JU was undaunted. Jacksonville ripped off an 10-0 run of their own later in the quarter to close the deficit to 14-12. Sydney Bowles broke the run with a jumper. The Dolphins are very good at getting to the free throw line and they displayed that ability early in the game shooting 13 free throws in the first quarter. Those free throws allowed the Dolphins to keep the score close at 27-23 entering the second quarter.
The second period started in scary fashion for Florida State. Ta’Niya Latson fell to the floor after rolling her ankle. Latson was helped off the court and went straight to the locker room. Latson did not return to the game. The Dolphins took advantage. A layup from Makayla Edwards tied the score at 31 and that drew a timeout from head coach Brooke Wyckoff. The Noles responded well with a 16-0 run to pull ahead 47-31. From there the Seminoles cruised to the 53-33 halftime lead.
The Seminoles used a 6-0 run midway through the third quarter to take a 65-38 lead. From there the Noles sailed to the 97-74 victory.
Post Game
Florida State was led by Makayla Timpson’s monster stat line of 27 points, 13 boards and eight blocks. O’Mariah Gordon had big night as well recording 19 points, 10 assists and five rebounds. Mariana Valenzuela chipped in 14 points (4-6, 3PT) and six rebounds. Carla Viegas (12 points) and Sydney Bowles (10 points) both hit double figures.
We don’t need to bury the lead. The most important question after this game is the status of Ta’Niya Latson. FSU does have two weeks off so that will provide time for a recovery.
Makayla Timpson and O’Mariah Gordon really picked up the slack in Latson’s absence. Mariana Valenzuela had her best game since returning from her ACL injury. That obviously provides reason for optimism but it must be tempered a bit because these performances came against a JU team that was missing its leading scorer.
Assuming Latson is okay Florida State is in relatively good shape entering conference play. Neither of FSU’s current losses is a bad one. The Seminoles don’t have many good wins though as the best one is over Texas Tech. FSU is in good position for another NCAA berth but the Noles need a few impressive wins to get the seed that they want in the tournament.
Next Game
Florida State will head to Blacksburg, VA to face Virginia Tech on January 2nd. The game will tip at 6:00pm and will be broadcasted on the ACC Network.
