FSU took its final home game of a historic season with a 72-52 victory over N.C. State on Thursday night at the Donald L. Tucker Center. In what would be a record crowd attendance for the season, the Seminoles had a combination of suffocating defense, balanced offense, and physical dominance that assured a win.
The first half was not as close as the score made it seem. FSU led 39-27, but was dominating in almost every facet. The Seminoles controlled the boards with 25 rebounds (10 offensive) to N.C. State’s 13. This showed in the second chance points, where FSU had 14 as opposed to N.C. State’s 5. FSU also had the advantage in bench points with 12. Shakayla Thomas alone had 9 of those.
A balanced attack meant that eight different ‘Noles had scored before the break. The defense was once again stifling, holding the Wolfpack below 37 percent shooting at the half. N.C. State had an uncanny ability to hit 3-pointers during momentum swings and this was largely what kept it close in the first half.
The second half was largely the same, but longer. 40 total fouls in the game and 24 in the latter half kept the game going at a snail’s pace. FSU had a cold streak in the middle of the half, at one point making only 2 of 14 shots.
It got going once Leticia Romero began to pass it around a little more, and FSU finished strong with three straight 3-pointers to close the game. N.C. State led once in the early moments of the game, but would never regain the lead after 16:55 was left in the first.
Four Seminoles scored in double-digits and Brittany Brown had a double-double with 10 points and 12 rebounds. The Wolfpack were held to 28 percent shooting for the game — a sign that the FSU defense was just too much to handle. Oddly enough, N.C. State caused more FSU turnovers (20) than their own (15) yet they only scored 9 points off of turnovers, compared to 20 points for the ‘Noles. In closer games, this will become crucial for the Seminoles if they want to advance.
Florida State head coach Sue Semrau after the game lauded the crowd and said that the fans would be needed to prepare them for the big games ahead (the ACC and NCAA tournaments). She said that the feel around the team is different and more of a “family” than in past years. She added that the team’s depth will be important and is one of the biggest reasons for such a historic season.
