Despite having no players score in double figures, the host Florida State Seminoles beat the Tarleton State Texans, 72-52, to remain unbeaten on Tuesday night in Tallahassee, Fla. Daquan Davis scored a team-high nine points while Jamir Watkins, Chandler Jackson, Justin Thomas and Bostyn Holt each scored eight points to lead the Seminoles (3-0). Florida State secured its first undefeated start after three games since the 2020-21 season.
That was the last time Florida State made it to the NCAA Tournament. The Seminoles are hoping for such a revival this season with an influx of new talent that has so far showcased its depth and prowess on the defensive end. Both are attributes of longtime coach Leonard Hamilton's teams when the Seminoles were NCAA Tournament regulars in recent years.
A total of 12 Seminoles scored in the game and eight scored six or more points. Chris Mpaka led Tarleton State (0-3) with 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks as the Texans finished with four players scoring in double figures. Matt Krass and Bubu Benjamin each scored 11 points while Nick Krass finished with 10 points and four rebounds.
Mistakes by Florida State helped keep the game close in the first half. The Seminoles committed 12 turnovers before halftime. But FSU cleaned things up in the second half and committed only five turnovers, helping it go on a 27-10 run that broke the game open.
Florida State led by as many as 25 points in the second half and controlled the game on the boards and in .