Florida State triumphs over Syracuse with stunning performance from Daquan Davis and Jamir Watkins

In Tallahassee, Florida, on a Saturday, Florida State University faced Syracuse University in an ACC matchup that showcased a powerful performance by the Seminoles. Daquan Davis led Florida State's scoring with 18 points, while Jamir Watkins contributed 16 points. The Seminoles made a strong statement in the second half, scoring 54 points while shooting 57% from the field, which ultimately secured their victory with a final score of 90-74. The game started competitively, but Florida State quickly established dominance after halftime. They scored 12 points within the first three minutes of the second half to take a commanding lead of 48-39. The Seminoles pushed their advantage to 68-55 with an 11-2 run, demonstrating a balanced offensive effort with five players contributing to the scoring surge. Their ability to penetrate the defense and convert free throws down the stretch solidified their win. Syracuse, struggling with their confidence, had five players score in double digits, led by Chris Bell with 18 points off the bench and Freeman, who not only scored 16 points but also grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome Florida State's fervor and resilience. The Orange's season continues to be disappointing having lost all three of their initial conference games and not winning against any power conference foe. This encounter also marked Florida State's first game since the unsettling news of a lawsuit involving six former players against head coach Leonard Hamilton. They alleged that Hamilton did not secure them promised compensation totaling $250,000 related to name, image, and likeness deals. Despite the controversies outside the court, Florida State showcased their commitment to success on the court, bouncing back with a decisive victory against an opponent keen on changing their fortunes.