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RECAP: FSU Basketball Snaps Three-Game Losing Streak, Sweeps Boston College

Originally posted on FanNation NoleGameDay
By Austin Veazey | Last updated 2/21/24

There are many things I could've seen coming from this game, an offensive explosion was not one of them. The last time these two teams played, it ended 63-62. That mark was passed with 8 minutes left in the game.

In the first half alone, we saw a combined 86 points and neither team missed a shot for the first four minutes played. How those teams got there was a different story. With Darin Green Jr. missing the game with a shoulder injury, Florida State initially relied on their paint presence, continuously getting to the rack. Boston College lit up the nets from outside to start with the help of some lackadaisical defense from FSU. They had hit some tough shots, but a lot of them were wide-open looks on a good shooter.

FSU's offensive attack allowed them to get BC's top players in foul trouble, but they weren't doing a tremendous job of converting those opportunities, both at the free-throw line and on the other end of the floor, where BC was mainly getting whatever they wanted when they weren't turning it over. A big reason why the score was tied at halftime 43-43 was BC's 6/11 shooting from deep in the first half.

Florida State kept the offense on go though, using a 10-0 run midway through the second half to give themselves a 68-61 cushion. BC's hot shooting didn't carry over to the second half, as they were just 3/11 from deep and 4/7 from the free-throw line over the final 20 minutes. FSU's offense kept the pedal down and pulled away to win 84-76.

Florida State won this game for a few reasons: free throws, creating turnovers, and consistent offense. Boston College started hot, but FSU was able to score enough to keep up, mainly by getting to the basket and converting or getting to the free-throw line. FSU was 12/18 on layups in this game and 21/33 on 2-pointers. Their 7/18 from 3 was plenty good enough as well, but those opportunities were opened up by drives. By getting inside, they were basically able to double-up BC on free throw attempts and makes.

They also got back to creating turnovers, forcing 16 BC turnovers (23.5% turnover rate) which led to 21 FSU points. This is how the Seminoles have to win games.

Jamir Watkins was Jamir Watkins, putting up 22 points and 11 rebounds, his third double-double of the season and his 12th straight game scoring in double figures. At this point, it's becoming monotonous just how good he's been for FSU.

Chandler Jackson was electric in this game, which came a day after his birthday, finishing with a career-high 19 points, including from 2/3 from 3, and adding 3 steals. That's a pretty solid birthday gift. With Darin Green Jr. missing the game, Jackson provided high-level play on both ends of the floor and honestly raised the offensive ceiling for FSU this game. Using him as a secondary ball-handler helped Watkins and Warley's burden as well.

Jalen Warley also had a solid game, finishing with 13 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals. I love when he's being aggressive like he was tonight.

There were some interesting rotation decisions. For the first time since early in the season, Cam Corhen started over De'Ante Green (who played just 3 minutes) and played well, for the most part, giving FSU 13 points and 7 rebounds.

Also of note, Primo Spears didn't play in this game after sitting the entire second half against Duke. Something is going on there.

Jaeden Zackery was very good for Boston College, putting up 19 points and shooting 7/10 from the field. Mason Madsen started 3/5 from 3 but made just 1 of his next 3 on his way to 14 points. Quinten Post's stats look good at 15 points and 7 rebounds, but his impact didn't feel that big. Devin McGlockton gave them good minutes with 13 points on a perfect 5/5 from the floor.

Florida State will travel to Clemson for their next game on Saturday.