Florida State Shows Resilience, Physicality and Room to Grow Against LSU

Florida State’s matchup with LSU offered a look at how Luke Loucks’ team responds when things don’t immediately go its way.

The Tigers opened with an 8–0 run, forcing Loucks to call an early timeout. For a Seminoles team still developing its identity, the opening stretch presented a valuable test: settle down and respond before LSU could take full control. This is something FSU could not do against Will Wade last year as his NC State team embarrassed FSU.

Florida State answered with energy around the basket and timely perimeter shooting. Ponder provided an and-one finish, Rancik added a dunk, and Taylor knocked down a three. LSU also connected from deep as the shot clock expired, making FSU work through a challenging opening stretch.

The Seminoles’ response was encouraging, but the game also exposed areas that need attention before the regular season.

A More Physical Florida State Team

One of the most noticeable differences from last week was Florida State’s physicality.

The Seminoles played with more force, and Steen’s presence gave them another option inside. His size adds value around the basket and on the glass, giving FSU a stronger interior presence as its rotation comes together.

Martay Barnes was another encouraging performer. His play stood out in a matchup that gave Florida State a chance to evaluate how its pieces fit against another opponent.

There were also flashes of the lob game that became familiar during the Leonard Hamilton era. Those finishes gave the offense another way to generate opportunities at the rim.

Abaev and Taylor Stand Out

Abaev delivered one of Florida State’s most impressive stretches offensively. He looked comfortable with the ball in his hands, making a strong impression as an option to initiate the offense.

Based on this performance, he appears particularly comfortable operating at point guard. His ability to help organize possessions will be worth watching as Loucks continues to sort through his lineup combinations.

Taylor also stood out, especially in the second half. His performance was another positive for an FSU offense that showed promise but struggled to consistently create clean looks.

That inconsistency became noticeable in the latter portion of the first half. When Florida State generated open shots, it took advantage. When those opportunities disappeared, scoring became more difficult.

Creating quality looks consistently will be an important part of this team’s development. Otherwise, extended cold stretches could become a recurring issue.

Assui Provides Timely Offense

Assui’s defense and hustle were valuable, but his offensive contributions came at critical moments.

He knocked down a three with Florida State’s lead trimmed to two, then connected again with the game tied. Those were important answers as LSU applied pressure in the second half.

His performance showed the value of having a player who can contribute through effort and defense while also making an opponent pay from the perimeter.

Defensive Details Need Attention

Florida State allowed too many open three-point opportunities and second-chance points in the second half. Those possessions gave LSU additional chances to build momentum and put pressure on the Seminoles.

Transition defense also needs to improve. Getting back, communicating and identifying assignments must become more consistent as the season starts.

Anthony Robinson appeared to get hurt and hobbled off the court in the second half, but he later returned to the game.

Florida State showed encouraging resilience after its slow start, along with improved physicality and several promising individual performances. The next step is turning those stretches into consistent execution, particularly when creating shots, finishing defensive possessions and getting back in transition.

In The Endzone Player of the Game: Shon Abaev

Shon Abaev earns In The Endzone Player of the Game honors for his offensive impact and comfort directing Florida State’s offense against LSU.

Abaev delivered one of the Seminoles’ most impressive scoring stretches while also standing out with the ball in his hands. He looked comfortable initiating the offense, strengthening his case for more opportunities at point guard.

For a Florida State team still working toward consistent shot creation, Abaev’s performance was an encouraging sign. His ability to provide scoring and help guide the offense made him the pick against the Tigers.