Florida State Handles UNLV, Will Play Colorado In Sunshine Slam Championship

I was expecting a close game, and for times it was, but for the large majority of this game, Florida State had control over UNLV. The lead swelled as large as 16 points, and got down to as little as 5 in the second half. But whenever Florida State absolutely had to get a bucket, Jamir Watkins and Darin Green Jr found answers, whether it be through a made basket or through an assist, but they got the job done.

Florida State led wire to wire in this game, getting the first basket of the game and never looking back on their way to an 83-75 win.

You cannot say enough about the job Jamir Watkins did today: 19 points and 8 assists, leading both teams in both categories while adding 4 rebounds and ending a +20. He used buzzer-beating 3s, highlight reel dunks, lob passes, and everything in between to get the job done in this one. I've had a few people tell me he looks like Terance Mann, and you can definitely see it in plays like this.

JAMIR WATKINS BRINGING DOWN THE HOUSE 😱@FSUHoops pic.twitter.com/eHmEtPnAP1
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) November 21, 2023

Darin Green Jr came up with timely basket after timely basket, especially in the first half. There was one stretch late in the first half where it felt like he couldn't miss if he shot from outer space. He finished with 16 points, shooting 5/10 from the floor and 2/5 from 3. He made a couple of really clutch tough mid-range shots late in shot clocks throughout the game when Florida State really needed them.

De'Ante Green quietly had a really good game off the bench, finishing with 10 points in just 14 minutes played. Because Cam Corhen was dealing with some foul trouble, it allowed De'Ante a chance to shine and he made the most of it. Corhen still finished with 14 points, shooting 6/7, on the finishing end of many a lob pass.

Florida State did a great job defending the 3, only allowing UNLV to shoot 10 of them, and the Rebels only cashed in 2. Granted, UNLV was getting to the rim a lot, but FSU was able to keep them at arm's length because they couldn't get any open looks from deep. They were also able to contain them on the offensive glass, allowing just 7 offensive rebounds and 7-second chance points. UNLV's 23.3% offensive rebound rate would've been When they're doing that while forcing a turnover rate north of 20%, it's going to be hard to beat this team.

The 'Noles shot the three well at 5/12, and while the free throw shooting started sloppy, they ended up a respectable 14/18. They allowed UNLV to shoot 25 free throws still, but with them only making 14 as well, it balanced out.

UNLV had five players between 12 and 15 points, led by Kalib Boone's 15 off of the bench. Luiz Rodriguez had 12 points, while Dedan Thomas Jr, Jalen Hill, and Justin Webster all had 13 points each. Florida State was using Jalen Warley to face guard DJ Thomas most of the game, and you could tell when he didn't have the ball in his hands, it's a much different team when he's able to operate as he wants.

Florida State will play Colorado for the Sunshine Slam Championship tomorrow at 4 p.m. on the CBS Sports Network.

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