Florida State University Athletics
Thursday, October 31
Tallahassee, Fla.
3:00 p.m.
Florida State
100
vs
56
University of West Florida
Watkins And Bol Bowen Lead Seminoles To Dominant 100-56 Victory Over West Florida
10/31/2024 6:34:00 PM | Men's Basketball
TALLAHASSEE -- Senior Jamir Watkins and sophomore Taylor Bol Bowen scored 14 points each as Florida State showcased its strength in a commanding 100-56 victory over the University of West Florida in its final exhibition game at the Donald L. Tucker Center. With two strong exhibition wins, the Seminoles begin their regular season Monday against Northern Kentucky at 7:00 p.m. at the Tucker Center.
The Seminoles put the game away early in the second half on the strength of a 24-0 run from the 17:59 mark through the 13:01 mark. Florida State's run began on a 3-point shot by Bostyn Holt to make the score 49-28 and ended on a 3-point shot by Jerry Deng to make the score 70-28.
Watkins and Bol Bowen led the Seminoles' charge, as each scored a game-high 14 points. Watkins led the Seminoles with six assists and four steals while Bol Bowen totaled a team-high eight rebounds and a team-high seven steals. Both players delivered impressive stats, setting a strong tone for the season opener against Northern Kentucky.
"I was exceptionally impressed with how we moved the ball, made the extra pass, and created opportunities for each other," said head coach Leonard Hamilton. "That's why we shot so well from the perimeter; those uncontested in-rhythm shots come from our depth and teamwork."
The Seminoles shot .571 from the field (40 of 70) and .458 from the 3-point line (11 of 24) to go along with 21 assists and 19 steals.
The starting lineup of Watkins, Bol Bowen, AJ Swinton, Bostyn Holt, and Waka Mbatch set the pace early for the Seminoles as the home team scored the first seven and 12 of the first 16 points to take a commanding early lead at 12-4.
Freshman Daquan Davis had a standout performance with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists. The newcomer shot the ball well as he made four of six field goals, one of two 3-point shots, and three of four shots from the free throw line. His two assists came during the second half as Florida State outscored the Argos by a 56-33 mark.
"Daquan has a unique skill set," said Hamilton. "He's unbelievably quick, his motor is always running, and he understands our defensive system. I think the combination of him and Bostyn at point guard gives us two different types of players, and both are effective."
Swinton added to the team's momentum with five points and six rebounds. He played 23 minutes as a member of the Seminoles' starting five. His six rebounds ranked as the second-highest total of the 16 Seminoles who earned playing time in the victory.
Senior Bostyn Holt and freshman Christian Nitu also contributed, combining for 19 points with five assists, and one blocked shot. Nitu used his 6-11 frame to throw down a pair of monstrous dunks while Holt finished second on the team with five assists.
The second half saw Jerry Deng, Justin Thomas, and Malique Ewin displaying their talents.
Deng totaled a team-high 10 second half points to go along with five rebounds and two assists. He illustrated his 3-point shooting range with two made shots from beyond the arc to finish as one of five Seminoles in double figures.
Thomas totaled six points (two made 3-point shots) with two assists and two steals. Ewin scored four points with two assists and two steals.
"We played a lot of players tonight," said Hamilton. "It's important to try different combinations so we can learn to play together."
Senior Jesse Jones made two long 3-point shots in the final minute to put the Seminoles at the century mark for points. He finished the game with six points in just over four minutes played.
The Argonauts were led by Zondrick Garrett, who scored 12 points, followed by Le'Tarion White and James Locke IV with eight points each.
Season tickets for Florida State's home games are now on sale for as low as $150. Seminole fans interested in purchasing tickets for all regular season home games at the Donald L. Tucker Center can learn more here, or are encouraged to call the Florida State Ticket Office at 1-888-FSU-NOLE. Non-conference single game tickets are now available for purchase. ACC single game tickets will go on sale to Seminole Booster members on December 2nd.
The Seminoles put the game away early in the second half on the strength of a 24-0 run from the 17:59 mark through the 13:01 mark. Florida State's run began on a 3-point shot by Bostyn Holt to make the score 49-28 and ended on a 3-point shot by Jerry Deng to make the score 70-28.
Watkins and Bol Bowen led the Seminoles' charge, as each scored a game-high 14 points. Watkins led the Seminoles with six assists and four steals while Bol Bowen totaled a team-high eight rebounds and a team-high seven steals. Both players delivered impressive stats, setting a strong tone for the season opener against Northern Kentucky.
"I was exceptionally impressed with how we moved the ball, made the extra pass, and created opportunities for each other," said head coach Leonard Hamilton. "That's why we shot so well from the perimeter; those uncontested in-rhythm shots come from our depth and teamwork."
The Seminoles shot .571 from the field (40 of 70) and .458 from the 3-point line (11 of 24) to go along with 21 assists and 19 steals.
The starting lineup of Watkins, Bol Bowen, AJ Swinton, Bostyn Holt, and Waka Mbatch set the pace early for the Seminoles as the home team scored the first seven and 12 of the first 16 points to take a commanding early lead at 12-4.
Freshman Daquan Davis had a standout performance with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists. The newcomer shot the ball well as he made four of six field goals, one of two 3-point shots, and three of four shots from the free throw line. His two assists came during the second half as Florida State outscored the Argos by a 56-33 mark.
"Daquan has a unique skill set," said Hamilton. "He's unbelievably quick, his motor is always running, and he understands our defensive system. I think the combination of him and Bostyn at point guard gives us two different types of players, and both are effective."
Swinton added to the team's momentum with five points and six rebounds. He played 23 minutes as a member of the Seminoles' starting five. His six rebounds ranked as the second-highest total of the 16 Seminoles who earned playing time in the victory.
Senior Bostyn Holt and freshman Christian Nitu also contributed, combining for 19 points with five assists, and one blocked shot. Nitu used his 6-11 frame to throw down a pair of monstrous dunks while Holt finished second on the team with five assists.
The second half saw Jerry Deng, Justin Thomas, and Malique Ewin displaying their talents.
Deng totaled a team-high 10 second half points to go along with five rebounds and two assists. He illustrated his 3-point shooting range with two made shots from beyond the arc to finish as one of five Seminoles in double figures.
Thomas totaled six points (two made 3-point shots) with two assists and two steals. Ewin scored four points with two assists and two steals.
"We played a lot of players tonight," said Hamilton. "It's important to try different combinations so we can learn to play together."
Senior Jesse Jones made two long 3-point shots in the final minute to put the Seminoles at the century mark for points. He finished the game with six points in just over four minutes played.
The Argonauts were led by Zondrick Garrett, who scored 12 points, followed by Le'Tarion White and James Locke IV with eight points each.
Season tickets for Florida State's home games are now on sale for as low as $150. Seminole fans interested in purchasing tickets for all regular season home games at the Donald L. Tucker Center can learn more here, or are encouraged to call the Florida State Ticket Office at 1-888-FSU-NOLE. Non-conference single game tickets are now available for purchase. ACC single game tickets will go on sale to Seminole Booster members on December 2nd.
Players Mentioned
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/ Men's Basketball
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Guard
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