No. 22 Florida State (19-4, 9-2 ACC) defeated Virginia (12-12, 4-8 ACC) by a 101-68 score tonight in Charlottesville, VA.

Game Recap

Florida State started the game strong scoring the first eight points of the game after a coast to coast steal and layup from Amaya Bonner. Coach Amaka Agugua-Hamilton was forced to call a timeout. The FSU opening run would stretch to eleven before Olivia McGhee ended it with a three ball. From there the two teams mostly traded baskets until the Seminoles ended the quarter on an 8-0 run to enjoy a 26-9 advantage going into the second quarter.

Latasha Lattimore started the second quarter with a layup for the Cavaliers. The teams went back and forth until Mariana Valenzuela and Bonner nailed a couple of threes to force Agugua-Hamilton to spend another timeout as the Noles had a 36-15 lead. After that the teams exchanged buckets but UVA ended on a high note as RyLee Grays got an offensive rebound and a putback to cut the FSU lead to 49-31 at the half.

The Seminoles were able to stretch the lead in the second half with the help of an 11-0 run that gave them a 66-35 lead. Kymora Johnson broke the run with a free throw but the Noles were undaunted. Makayla Timpson hit a layup to spark the Seminoles to a 9-2 run and a 77-39 lead. FSU cruised to an 83-43 advantage going into the fourth quarter.

Nevertheless, UVA would not quit. In fact, the Hoos hit FSU with an 8-0 run midway through the fourth quarter. However, it was not nearly enough as Florida State sailed to the 101-68 victory.

Post Game

Ta’Niya Latson led Florida State with a 27 point, 12 assist double-double. Makayla Timpson had 18 points, eight rebounds and tied for a career high with eight blocks. O’Mariah Gordon and Amaya Bonner chipped in with 15 and 12 points respectively.

FSU was an 11.5 point favorite.

It was the seventh time this year that Florida State had broken the 100 point barrier which is a program record.

Most teams have decided to focus on getting players back on defense to try to keep Florida State from getting out on the break. Virginia used a different strategy. The Hoos tried to crash the glass and get second shots with offensive rebounds. It worked in the sense that UVA got 14 second chance points but it ultimately didn’t matter because FSU was cooking offensively and was remarkably efficient only turning the ball over seven times and shooting 52% from the floor.

This is a Q2 victory (for now) so this is a helpful win even though Virginia’s record is not that impressive. Also, the Seminoles won on the road by 30+ points so that margin of victory will be helpful in the NET rating.

Ultimately though Virginia is a “Have-not” team and FSU is supposed to beat the Have-nots. The real test for this Florida State team (that has looked quite good lately) will come on Sunday.

Next Game

North Carolina State will visit Tallahassee on Sunday. The game tips at 2pm and will be broadcast on the CW.