RECAP: Florida State Heads Into Holiday Break With 67-61 Win Over Winthrop

It wasn't always sunshine and rainbows in this game, as it turned into a foul-laden and free-throw bonanza towards the end of the game. Winthrop actually led for the majority of the first half as Florida State struggled to find some offense early on, but the 'Noles would take a 25-24 lead into halftime.

The second half saw 11 lead changes, 32 fouls, and 52 free throws. It was not fun to watch and was a big reason why the game went so much longer than it was supposed to. Florida State used a 6-0 win with about 7 minutes left in the game to take the lead and used that to pace themselves the rest of the way, with the lead fluctuating between 3 and 6 points for the majority of the rest of the game.

Florida State would hang on to a 67-61 win, and will head into the Christmas break with back-to-back wins and a 6-5 record.

The defense and the free throw shooting won Florida State the game today. 24 forced turnovers are the most of the season for the 'Noles, as were 10 blocks. 14 steals was their second most this season and is already a really high number. 24 total steals + blocks is an incredible performance defensively. They also held Winthrop to just 4/19 shooting on layups. Winthrop actually shot better on 3s than they did layups, which is crazy. Winthrop's 33.3% turnover rate was their highest of the season.

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Florida State definitely benefitted from a heavy-fouling Winthrop defense, as the Eagles had three players foul out and another with four fouls. It led to 42 free throw attempts for the Seminoles, the most free throws they've shot since shooting 44 against Manhattan in 2014. You'd prefer to make more than 71.4% of them, but 30 made free throws is 30 made free throws. Winthrop was supposed to be the team that ate at the free throw line, which they did, but not as much as Florida State did.

If not for the free throws, Florida State was just 17/54 from the floor and 3/18 from 3. It was tough for them to make shots, so luckily they were able to get to the free-throw line and get some points that way.

Jamir Watkins was doing Jamir Watkins things in this game: 11 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. Just the definition of a stat sheet stuffer. He was just 3/10 from the floor, but his activity defensively had a huge impact on this game.

Jalen Warley had a very good game: 12 points and 4 rebounds, going 6/8 from the free-throw line. He had a really impressive driving spin layup in the waning minutes when Florida State really needed a bucket.

Primo Spears was in double figures again but was an inefficient 2/11 from the floor and 1/6 from 3. I do like that someone isn't afraid to take shots though, sometimes this team just needs that, but sooner or later he's going to need to be making these.

De'Ante Green was the last Seminole in double figures with 10, and has now scored 10+ points in 5 of his last 8 games. His 4 turnovers cost him some playing time down the stretch, though.

Only two Winthrop Eagles in double figures, as Nick Johnson led all scorers with 15 points, and Kelton Talford wasn't far behind with 14 points. Their leading scorer coming into the game, KJ Doucet, fouled out with 4:33 remaining and had just 9 points.

Florida State heads home for holiday break and won't play again until Lipscomb comes to Tallahassee on December 30th.

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