Florida State University Athletics
Monday, November 13
Tallahassee, Fla.
7:00 p.m.
Florida State
2-0,0-0ACC
94
vs
67
Central Michigan
0-3,0-0MAC
1
2
F
Central Mich.
30
37
67
Florida St.
50
44
94
Watkins Leads Seminoles With 19 In Victory over Central Michigan
11/13/2023 11:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida State scored 13 of the first 14 points of the game and never trailed in defeating Central Michigan, 94-67, in a first round on-campus game in the 2023 Sunshine Slam at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Jamir Watkins topped the Seminoles as he scored 19 points to lead six Seminoles in double figures as Florida State won its second consecutive game to open the season.
Watkins enjoyed an extremely efficient night with 19 points scored in 18 minutes played, with six rebounds, four steals and two assists in the victory. Also in double figures for Florida State (2-0) were Darin Green Jr. with 16 points, Josh Nickelberry with 12, Baba Miller with 11 while Cam Corhen and Cam'Ron Fletcher scored 10 each.
For the second consecutive game, Florida State never trailed and built its biggest lead at 29 early in the second half. Corhen scored on a jumper in the paint 28 seconds into the game and the Seminoles quickly took advantage of the visiting Chippewas. Florida State led 50-30 at the intermission as it limited Central Michigan (0-3) to 11 made field goals and one of eight shooting in the first 20 minutes from the 3-point line.
"Overall we took another step in the right direction," said Florida State Head Coach Leonard Hamilton. "We have moments where we show we do things very well. We are playing unselfishly and moving the ball to get high percentage shots."
Florida State's defense was on display after halftime as it held Central Michigan to nine points in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
"Attacking them (Florida State) makes you speed up and play faster than you typically want to," said Chippewa Head Coach Tony Barbee. "They will be a challenge every night for most teams with the way they make play you defensively."
Watkins had a spectacular night as he led the team in scoring with 19 points as he came just three points shy of his career-high of 22 points against Northern Illinois and Richmond while at VCU. He finished tied for the team high with his six rebounds and led the team with four steals. In addition to shooting six of eight from the field, he was a near perfect five of six from the free throw line.
"He only played 18 minutes, but he scored 19 points," said Hamilton. "His efficiency was unbelievable."
Jalen Warley enjoyed a solid game as he finished tied for the team-high with four assists. Chandler Jackson was tied with Warley as the team leader in assists with four.
Corhen put 10 points on the board, to go along with along with three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
Florida State rotated 16 players into the game, including Michael Brown – who celebrated his 22nd birthday. Brown scored the first points of his career on a free throw in the game's final minute.
The Seminoles continue their regular season as it travels to Gainesville this upcoming Friday, November 17th to take on the Gators from the University of Florida at 7:00 pm in the Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
Watkins enjoyed an extremely efficient night with 19 points scored in 18 minutes played, with six rebounds, four steals and two assists in the victory. Also in double figures for Florida State (2-0) were Darin Green Jr. with 16 points, Josh Nickelberry with 12, Baba Miller with 11 while Cam Corhen and Cam'Ron Fletcher scored 10 each.
For the second consecutive game, Florida State never trailed and built its biggest lead at 29 early in the second half. Corhen scored on a jumper in the paint 28 seconds into the game and the Seminoles quickly took advantage of the visiting Chippewas. Florida State led 50-30 at the intermission as it limited Central Michigan (0-3) to 11 made field goals and one of eight shooting in the first 20 minutes from the 3-point line.
"Overall we took another step in the right direction," said Florida State Head Coach Leonard Hamilton. "We have moments where we show we do things very well. We are playing unselfishly and moving the ball to get high percentage shots."
Florida State's defense was on display after halftime as it held Central Michigan to nine points in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
"Attacking them (Florida State) makes you speed up and play faster than you typically want to," said Chippewa Head Coach Tony Barbee. "They will be a challenge every night for most teams with the way they make play you defensively."
Watkins had a spectacular night as he led the team in scoring with 19 points as he came just three points shy of his career-high of 22 points against Northern Illinois and Richmond while at VCU. He finished tied for the team high with his six rebounds and led the team with four steals. In addition to shooting six of eight from the field, he was a near perfect five of six from the free throw line.
"He only played 18 minutes, but he scored 19 points," said Hamilton. "His efficiency was unbelievable."
Jalen Warley enjoyed a solid game as he finished tied for the team-high with four assists. Chandler Jackson was tied with Warley as the team leader in assists with four.
Corhen put 10 points on the board, to go along with along with three assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
Florida State rotated 16 players into the game, including Michael Brown – who celebrated his 22nd birthday. Brown scored the first points of his career on a free throw in the game's final minute.
The Seminoles continue their regular season as it travels to Gainesville this upcoming Friday, November 17th to take on the Gators from the University of Florida at 7:00 pm in the Exactech Arena at Stephen C. O'Connell Center.
Team Stats
CMU
FSU
FG%
.523
.556
3FG%
.211
.429
FT%
.548
.800
RB
27
31
TO
21
14
STL
6
13
Game Leaders
Scoring
Pts
19
FGM
6
3FGM
2
FTM
5
Pts
16
FGM
6
3FGM
4
FTM
0
Pts
12
FGM
3
3FGM
2
FTM
4
Pts
11
FGM
5
3FGM
1
FTM
0
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Men's Basketball
Forward
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's BasketballGuard
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's BasketballForward
/ Men's BasketballGuard
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's BasketballForward
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