TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – For the second straight game, the Nicholls State University men's basketball team had trouble taking care of the ball and Florida State took advantage early and often as the Colonels were defeated, 118-63, Thursday night at the Tucker Center.
With the loss, Nicholls slips to 4-5 on the season and 0-4 all-time against the Seminoles. Florida State upped its record to 9-1 on the season after claiming its fifth straight victory.
Ja'Dante' Frye led the Red and Gray with 20 points, but like the rest of the team, struggled from the field at 5-of-15. For the game, Nicholls shot 34 percent from the field and was just 4-of-23 from 3-point range.
Florida State finished at an astounding 63 percent from the field, connected on 17 3-pointers and dished out 32 assists on 45 made baskets. The Seminoles had seven players reach double figures, led by 18 from P.J. Savoy off the bench. FSU held a significant 70-11 advantage in bench points and dominated inside, outscoring Nicholls, 52-24.
Florida State raced out to a 14-0 lead before
Adam Ward (8 points) made a pair of free throws six minutes into the contest. FSU went up 24-2 before Ward cut through the defense for a layup for the Colonels' first bucket of the game. But the Seminoles stayed hot, shooting 68 percent in the first half including six 3-pointers while their defense caused 15 turnovers. Florida State turned the Colonel miscues into 17 points as it led 61-24 at the intermission.
Despite the large deficit, the Colonels continued to play hard and did a better job of taking care of the ball with just five turnovers. Nicholls made 13 field goals after the break to score 39 points.
Jahvaughn Powell scored 14 points and had five rebounds and five assists in his homecoming game, but finished with a team-high seven turnovers.
Johnathan Bell chipped in with 12 points and secured a team-high seven rebounds.
Nicholls will play only its second home of the season as it hosts Thomas University on Sunday, Dec. 11. Tipoff at Stopher Gym is scheduled for 4 p.m.
