deadspin
In the nightcap of the Orion180 Tipoff Classic in Tampa, Fla., on Monday, Florida State dominated crosstown rival Florida A&M, 112-69, behind a career-best 25 points from Sebastian Rancik and a double-double from Marcis Ponder in his first collegiate game (15 points, 11 rebounds).
The Seminoles (1-0) eclipsed the 100-point mark in a season opener for the second consecutive year and are aiming to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2021.
It was the first regular-season meeting between the two Tallahassee-based schools since 1991, and Florida State's highest point total since scoring 113 against Chicago State on Nov. 25, 2019.
Rancik connected on 8 of 12 field-goal attempts (75%) and grabbed four rebounds. Ponder, a 7-foot, 285-pound freshman center, made an immediate impact, helping the Seminoles to a 47-32 rebounding advantage, including 15 offensive boards.
The Rattlers (0-1), in their second season under Florida State legend and former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, placed three players in double figures despite the lopsided outcome. Jaden Kempson led all scorers with 27 points and three assists, while Daisean Williford contributed 19 points and five rebounds. Antonio Barker Jr. added 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Florida A&M was hurt by 17 turnovers, which Florida State converted into 22 points. The Seminoles offset a 8-for-24 showing from 3-point range (3 of 12 in the first half) by dominating the paint, 62-22, and hitting 26 of 34 free-throw attempts.
Florida State opened the game with 10 straight points and used a 13-2 run to build a 26-10 lead with 9:05 left in the first half. The Seminoles closed the half on an 8-0 spurt to take a 54-27 advantage into halftime.
Kameron Taylor finished with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists for Florida State, while Anthony Robinson II added 16 points and eight rebounds. Brandon Bass Jr. scored 13 points and Martay Barnes chipped in 10.
Key Analysis
Florida State's emphatic win showcased a balanced attack and a dominant inside presence, with Ponder's debut signaling potential in the frontcourt. The Seminoles' ability to score in the paint and get to the free-throw line compensated for a cold night from beyond the arc. For Florida A&M, the loss highlighted turnover issues, but Kempson's scoring outburst offers a bright spot as the Rattlers continue to develop under Ward.
Originally reported by deadspin.