TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (seminoles.com) – Florida State’s Jonathan Isaac scored a game-high 20 points and led four players in double figures as the Seminoles earned a 104-76 victory over Valdosta State in exhibition action at the Donald L. Tucker Center on Thursday evening. Joining their freshman teammate in double figures, as Florida State topped 100 points in exhibition play for the second time in as many games, were Xavier Rathan-Mayes (14 points), Phil Cofer (10) and Dwayne Bacon (10).
Isaac topped double digits for the second time in the preseason after hitting 8-of-12 from the floor, including two from long distance, leading the way for a Seminole offense that finished 38-of-68 (55.9%) from the field. Rathan-Mayes was successful on 4-of-8 field goals and 6-of-9 from the free throw line, while handing out four assists.
Bacon reached double figures for the Seminoles after successfully hitting 4-of-9 from the field and 5-of-6 at the charity stripe. He led the Florida State lineup with five assists, giving the Seminoles a 19-8 advantage over the Blazers in total assists. Cofer was active on both ends of the floor, converting 4-of-7 from the floor as he knocked down two 3-pointers on offense, while climbing the glass for five rebounds.
Leading the way for the Seminole frontcourt was Michael Ojo (seven rebounds), Terance Mann (six) and Christ Koumadje (five). That trio, along with Cofer, provided Florida State with a 46-39 advantage in total rebounds and a 32-21 edge in defensive boards.
With a 58-32 lead entering the second half, Florida State used a series of 3-pointers from Cofer and four points by Isaac, to extend its lead to 70-45 just over three minutes into the half.
Carlos Beverly stepped up for Valdosta State, scoring seven points during the Blazers’ 23-9 run, as they trimmed the lead to 78-63.
The duo of Isaac and Trent Forrest, who combined for eight of the next 10 points, led the way for a Florida State offense that stretched its lead back to 20 points, 86-65.
Mann connected on his lone 3-pointer of the contest while Bacon contributed four points to help the Seminole offense grab a 96-73 lead. Mann knocked down a pair of free throws, following a Beau Justice foul, as Florida State reached triple digits. Jimmy Kodet knocked down a 3-pointer and Christ Koumadje came through with the final four points of the game, both via a dunk, as Florida State completed exhibition play.
Valdosta State grabbed an early 12-8 advantage on a 3-pointer by Jeremiah Hill just under five minutes into the first half, but a 3-pointer by PJ Savoy and a fast break layup by Forrest quickly got the offense back on track as the Seminoles moved in front by one. The Blazers briefly regained the lead by three before a layup by Jarquez Smith coupled with a 3-pointer from Bacon moved the Seminoles back in front 17-16 with 12:25 remaining.
Florida State moved in front by five following a layup by Braian Angola-Rodas, but Valdosta State remained within striking distance, 27-24, with a timely 3-pointer from Justice. Leading 27-24, the Seminoles distanced themselves with a 12-0 run that spanned 2:52 of the contest. The offensive spurt, capped off by a jumper from Cofer, allowed Florida State to stretch its lead to 14 also included four points from Isaac.
Rathan-Mayes scored five points inside the final five minutes of the half to help the Florida State assume a 46-30 lead. The Seminoles defense took over from that point, limiting Valdosta State to a pair of free throws as Florida State closed out the first half on a 12-2 run, highlighted by a dunk from Koumadje.
Florida State knocked down 24-of-40 field goals in the opening frame as it hit 60 percent from the floor for the third time in as many halves. Leading the way for the Seminoles in scoring was Rathan-Mayes, who closed with 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting from the field. Bacon added nine, after knocking down 2-of-5 from the floor and 5-of-6 at the free throw line.
Five Seminoles had at least three rebounds, including the tandem of Cofer and Mann, as Florida State held a 26-14 edge in rebounds which resulted in a 38-4 advantage in points in the paint. Cofer grabbed four defensive rebounds while two of Mann’s came on the offensive end to give the Seminoles nine second chance points.
Florida State now turns its attention to the regular season opener against Charleston Southern on Saturday, Nov. 12 at 1:00 p.m. at the Donald L. Tucker Center. After clashing with the Buccaneers, Florida State will take on Iona on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. Florida State fans can follow all of the action of both games on the ACC Network Extra.
