The Florida State Seminoles returned to the Donald L. Tucker Center looking to build momentum to start the season before conference play begins, and Tuesday night’s matchup against Cal State Bakersfield offered another opportunity to evaluate the Seminoles’ growing identity with an 89-59 victory in Tallahassee.
Entering the game, FSU ranked among the nation’s leaders in pace of play and turnovers forced per game, while the Roadrunners came in leaning heavily on their physical defense and ability to attack the paint. Both teams arrived with something to prove statistically, setting the stage for a matchup defined by intensity, tempo, and contrasting styles as the Seminoles continued their non-conference slate.
FSU’s Defense Completely Took Over the Game
Florida State’s full-court pressure and aggressive trapping smothered Cal State Bakersfield from start to finish. The Seminoles forced 28 turnovers, the most in any game this season and a number that sits alongside some of the highest totals in program history (FSU last forced 28 turnovers twice in 2005 and previously in 1993).
Those turnovers weren’t empty possessions either—FSU turned them into 40 points, dominating the transition game and compensating for an otherwise cold shooting night. The pressure defense continues to be the calling card of the Luke Loucks era, and this performance further solidified FSU as one of the most disruptive teams in the ACC.
First Half Shooting Woes Nearly Stole the Momentum
The first half was one of the strangest shooting halves of the season for the Seminoles. FSU and Bakersfield combined for 21 turnovers, but what stood out most was that FSU did not make a single three-pointer (0–20) in the opening frame—the first time this season they failed to hit a three in a half. Despite that, they took an 11-point lead into the break (35–24), thanks largely to defensive stops and free throws.
Lajae Jones cooled off, but the team didn’t skip a beat
Coming in, Lajae Jones was riding a hot streak (he’d just scored 36 and tied the school record with 10 threes the previous game). Jones — who’d been the go-to scorer in recent games — was held in check relative to his previous outburst with just 5 points, but Florida State’s complementary scoring and turnover-fueled offense carried the load. That’s a healthy sign for a team that can win when its star is contained.
Florida State’s offense balanced inside scoring and free-throw efficiency
Even though the Seminoles shot just 25% from three (8-for-32), they hit enough shots inside and at the line to keep the scoreboard ticking — Florida State made a much improved 23 of 29 free throws (79%) and finished 45% from the field. In short: when the perimeter look wasn’t falling, the team attacked the rim, got to the line, and converted.
FSU’s offense never fully found a rhythm, but the team still produced four players in double figures, showcasing the balanced scoring distribution that has become typical this season. Leading the effort was Alex Steen, who posted a 13-point, 10-rebound double-double, continuing his role as one of FSU’s most reliable interior players. His physicality and second-chance creation anchored an offense that badly needed efficiency inside.
Final Thoughts
This win won’t answer every question about the Seminoles — their three-point percentage tonight was a concern — but it did show depth, the ability to capitalize on opponent mistakes, and an offense that can finish trips at the rim and at the line. For Coach Loucks’ team, the takeaway is practical: even on nights when the perimeter swing is off, Florida State can rely on transition, free throws, and role-player scoring to win comfortably.
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This article originally appeared on FSU Wire: Takeaways from FSU’s win over Cal State Bakersfield
Reporting by Brandon Foster, FSU Wire / FSU Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
