Florida State defeats NC State in return to action after COVID-19 pause

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Florida State outlasted NC State 83-81 on Saturday night in the Seminoles’ return to action. It was their first game since defeating Lipscomb back on Dec. 15.

It was an impressive road win for a team that hasn’t had many practice opportunities over the last couple weeks. Coach Leonard Hamilton told reports they had just three full practices in the run-up to tipoff vs. the Wolfpack on Saturday.

Leonard Hamilton said after the win that #FSU had gotten only three full-squad practices since its COVID issues began before this game.

Because of that, he said this was a very satisfying win.

— Curt Weiler (@CurtMWeiler) January 2, 2022

Malik Osborne was Florida State’s leading scorer, pouring in 19 points on 5-of-10 shooting. He made 7-of-8 from the free throw line and grabbed 6 rebounds.

It was an efficient scoring night for Florida State as a team. The Seminoles shot over 50 percent from the floor and over 40 percent from beyond the arc.

FSU’s bench was especially effective, pouring in 32 points on the night. That total dwarfed NC State’s 9 bench points on the night.

Florida State is now 7-4 on the year and still has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament. The Seminoles are No. 43 nationally in KenPom’s live rankings as of Sunday morning.

Florida State faces Wake Forest on Tuesday.