Ewin’s Third Consecutive Double-Double Lifts Florida State Over Pittsburgh, 82-70

TALLAHASSEE – Malique Ewin earned his third consecutive double-double of 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Florida State made 20 of 24 free throws in the second half to defeat Pittsburgh, 82-70, at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee. Ewin was joined in double-figure scoring by Jamir Watkins (26 points), Chandler Jackson (13 points), and Daquan Davis (11 points) to lead the Seminoles to the victory.

Florida State is now 12-5 overall and 3-3 in ACC play. The Panthers are also now 12-5 and 3-3 in ACC play.

Impressively for Ewin and Watkins, both players have now scored in double figures in 14 consecutive games – each Seminole game since November 15.

The defensive intensity was evident by both teams from the start, with a relentless full-court press that carried through to the final buzzer.

Florida State's defensive effort was highlighted by nine steals and seven blocked shots. Davis led the Seminoles with three steals while Taylor Bol Bowen led Florida State with four blocked shots.

"I thought our guys responded with energy, the effort we put in wasn't as sound as I would like, but I thought the effort was good," said Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton. "That's a good sign that we are showing that we are responding appropriately."

The Seminoles outrebounded Pitt by a 37-31 margin including a 19-12 edge in the second half. After limiting the Panthers to a .273 shooting percentage in the first half, the Seminoles held the visitors to .375 shooting from the field for the game.

Watkins grabbed a season-high eight rebounds, further solidifying his standout performance.

Ewin sparked Florida State's second-half momentum beginning at the 16:48 mark as he scored four consecutive baskets for eight quick points, helping the Seminoles maintain their lead.

Justin Thomas drained a three-pointer at the 10:13 mark to increase the Seminoles lead to 52-39. His three was followed closely by another three from Davis at the 9:47 mark which pushed the Seminoles lead to 55-40.

Hamilton lauded his freshman point guard following the game.

"He comes loaded every day," said Hamilton. "He has a high IQ, and he's now being more vocal in the locker room and on the court, because he has a clear understanding now of what we are trying to accomplish. He shoots threes. He creates off the dribble, and he's a great scorer himself. He has a unique ability to get into the lane and find people."

Florida State excelled at the free-throw line, making 28 of 33 shots for the game including 20 of 24 in the second half.

The Seminoles will play again on Saturday at noon at the Civic Center, taking on another ACC opponent, Georgia Tech.

Ewin’s Third Consecutive Double-Double Lifts Florida State Over Pittsburgh, 82-70

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Team Stats

Jamir Watkins

Malique Ewin

Chandler Jackson

Daquan Davis

Players Mentioned

Taylor Bol Bowen

Daquan Davis

Malique Ewin

Chandler Jackson

Justin Thomas

Jamir Watkins

Florida State University Athletics