Florida State men’s basketball (16-13, 7-11) simply couldn’t compete with the Duke Blue Devils (26-3, 17-1).
On Saturday, FSU lost 100-65 against the second-ranked Blue Devils at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
This was the most points FSU had allowed all season, coming just days after giving up 96 points to Duke’s opponent, UNC. With two games remaining, FSU has dropped three in a row and will face Virginia on the road on Tuesday.
Malique Ewin, FSU’s starting center, was out due to an injury sustained against the Tar Heels on Monday. Alier Maluk, a true freshman, got his first career start in place of the JUCO transfer.
He was held scoreless despite going into foul trouble. Jamir Watkins led Florida State with 21 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Jerry Deng shot 3 for 5 from beyond the arc and scored 12 points off the bench. FSU shot 22/57 from the field and 7/21 from three.
Duke dominated the offensive glass, scoring 21 boards and 49 rebounds to FSU’s 32.
Without Ewin, Duke took advantage, scoring 46 points in the paint and 17 second-chance points. The Blue Devils also outscored the Seminoles in the fast break, scoring 25 points.
Despite missing freshman sensation Cooper Flagg for the majority of the first half due to a facial injury, the Blue Devils led 47-30 at halftime.
Flagg returned to score 12 of his 16 points in the second half. He had six rebounds and four assists.
Despite missing starting guard Tyrese Proctor, three other Duke players stepped up and finished in double digits. Isaiah Evans was the leading scorer with 19 points. Kon Knueppel and Khaman Maluach both scored 14 points.
Duke led the Seminoles by 30 points three minutes into the second half, putting the game out of reach. Duke led the entire game.
Duke celebrates FSU coach Leonard Hamilton before the game.
Duke paid tribute to FSU’s winningest coach, Leonard Hamilton, before the game, as he made his final appearance in Cameron Indoor Stadium. When his name was called, the audience responded with a standing ovation.
Former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski issued a brief message on Hamilton’s retirement, which the ACC Network aired during the game.
“In so many ways, my dear friend Leonard Hamilton is a pioneer in our profession,” Krzyzewski told me.
“While his tangible accomplishments are impressive, his impact on countless players along the way will be the most enduring testament to his success.” “College basketball will miss him.”
The coach from North Carolina will step down at the end of the season. He is one win away from his 200th ACC regular-season win, which would place him fourth all-time after Krzyzewski, former UNC coaches Dean Smith and Roy Williams.
What’s Next for FSU Basketball?
FSU’s final road game is on Tuesday against UVA in Charlottesville. The game will start at 9 p.m. in the John Paul Jones Arena.
FSU will play its final regular season game against SMU (21-8, 12-6) on Saturday at the Donald L. Tucker Center. On that day, FSU will honor Hamilton with his final home game.
