Colleges

Talent wins out as FSU outlasts Samford

By JAMEY GIVENS, Times Correspondent
Published December 3, 2007

TALLAHASSEE - Florida State came out determined to set the tempo Sunday.

Instead, a smaller but more disciplined Samford team patiently executed its Princeton-style offense, and it was the Bulldogs who dictated the speed of the game.

But FSU's superior athleticism won out, and the Seminoles pulled away for a 61-45 win.

FSU opened in a fullcourt press, trying to either force turnovers or coax Samford to take quicker shots. But the Bulldogs broke the pressure again and again, then brought the ball back out to set up their offense. The Seminoles struggled to defend the backdoor cuts and the constant movement in the first half, but Samford shot only 29 percent from the field and FSU led 27-21 at the half.

"Our intent was to fullcourt press and trap to force the tempo," Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton said. "That didn't seem to work out too well. This team was extremely disciplined. ... They were determined to take time off the clock and run their system."

The Seminoles stretched their lead to 13 early in the second half, but Samford closed within seven with 10minutes left. Bryan Friday's fastbreak layup could have pulled the Bulldogs (2-4) within five, but senior guard Isaiah Swann contested the shot from behind and the ball rimmed out. After trading baskets, the Seminoles (8-2) rattled off a 14-0 run to cement their fifth straight win.

"It's a different level of athleticism," Samford coach Jimmy Tillette said.

Although Hamilton said his team can't afford to look past its next opponent, Maine, Sunday provided Florida State an opportunity to prepare for its next big test. Samford's patient style mirrors the offensive attack of No.16 Butler, which FSU plays on Dec.15 in Indianapolis.

"The coaches pretty much told us that it will be the same thing," Swann said. "They play just like them. They are going to put you on defense for 25 to 35 seconds and wait for you to make a mistake. It was a good warmup game for us."

Toney Douglas led the Seminoles with 13 points, and Uche Echefu added 11.

FSU 61

Samford 45

[Last modified December 2, 2007, 22:01:58]