Florida State handles FIU

Florida State handled Florida International easily in its final game before the Seminoles take an extended break for final exams, trouncing the Golden Panthers 82-62. Deividas Dulkys led the way with a career-high 19 points.

Florida State (7-2) once again started off cold and trailed 15-13 after a Marvin Roberts 3-pointer with 8:48 remaining in the first half. But from that point on, the Seminoles dominated with a 21-2 run and did not allow another basket from FIU (3-8) before halftime.

The Seminoles led 34-17 at the half.

"We're probably like every other team that faces Florida State," FIU coach Isiah Thomas said. "Their length definitely is overwhelming at times. ... They looked like a pro team because of the size. Not only do they have size, but they have greaty athleticism with their size."

In the second half, Florida State used good shooting from the field to pull away and hit 17-for-28 (60.7%) down the stretch.

Joining Dulkys in double figures was Solomon Alabi with 13 points and Michael Snaer with 12. Luke Loucks, who started at point guard in place of an injured Derwin Kitchen (strained groin), had six points and seven assists.

After a rugged stretch of so many games in a short period of time, FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said he is eager to see his team improve during the coming break.

"You don't have an opportunity to do a lot of practicing," Hamilton said. "You're preparing for games. And that was a little bit of a challenge. That was one reason why we need this period where we can get to practice and get some reps and develop some habits. A lot of the things that I'm concerned about, we just haven't had enough reps for things to become habits. I saw some things tonight, though, from an execution standpoint I was encouraged by."

Freshman forward Terrance Shannon played 14 minutes and scored 5 points, his first points in a Seminole uniform.

As a team, Florida State once again had turnover issues committing 16. However, the team did post 19 assists in the victory. The Seminoles' defense was once again consistent and held Isiah Thomas's club to 22-of-62 (35.5%) shooting and 5-for-23 (21.7%) from 3-point range.

The Seminoles will return to action on Dec. 15th when they host Georgia State at 7 p.m. in a game that will be televised by SUN Sports.

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