TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — A 25-3 second quarter set the tone for the Florida State Women’s Basketball team as it delivered a 104-46 rout of Florida Southern in a Sunday exhibition at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
Six Seminoles finished in double figures, highlighted by freshman center River Baldwin’s big performance with a game-high 19 points (5-of-6 shooting) and six rebounds in just over 19 minutes of action. The Andalusia, Ala., native was dominant off the bench, owning the blocks and finishing consistently under duress.
Senior guard Nausia Woolfolk added 15 points and five assists. Sophomore center Valencia Myers had a double-double with 14 points and a game-high 12 rebounds. The other double-figure scorers included Nicki Ekhomu (14), Kiah Gillespie (13) and Kourtney Weber (13).
FSU shot a blistering 63.8 percent (37-of-58) from the floor, and held the Moccasins to just 28.8 percent (17-of-59). FSU held a 24-15 lead through the first quarter, but out-scored Florida Southern the rest of the way 80-31. From the second to fourth quarters, Florida Southern shot just 23.9 percent (11-of-46).
The Seminoles out-rebounded Florida Southern 50-14, and totaled 18 assists to just 11 turnovers. They also owned an enormous edge in several categories, including points off turnovers (19-4) and second-chance points (19-2).
FSU's starting lineup included Ekhomu, Woolfolk, Weber, Gillespie and Myers. The group started 21 games together last season.
Mackenzie Steele led Florida Southern with 14 points, while Monet Burkett picked up nine points for the Moccasins.
Florida State's season opener takes place on Tuesday, Nov. 5, with a matchup against Charleston Southern at 7 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
