Amber Aniston • November 29, 2024

Florida State Defeats Texas Tech 70-62 in Paradise Jam Opener

The Florida State Seminoles earned a hard-fought 70-62 victory over the previously unbeaten Texas Tech Lady Raiders on Thursday night in the opening game of the Paradise Jam Tournament in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. The Seminoles showcased their defensive intensity and balanced scoring to hand the Lady Raiders their first loss of the season.


With the victory, Florida State improved to 6-1 overall, while Texas Tech dropped to 6-1. Ta’Niya Latson and O’Mariah Gordon led the Seminoles with standout performances, combining for 50 of the team’s points.


Dominant Start for Florida State

Florida State began the game with a commanding 9-0 run, setting the tone with their defensive pressure and quick offensive execution. The Seminoles capitalized on early turnovers and held Texas Tech to just 20% shooting in the first quarter. Makayla Timpson was instrumental in the opening stretch, scoring six points during the run and providing a strong presence in the paint.


Texas Tech struggled to find offensive rhythm early on, managing only five points in the first quarter as Florida State took a 16-5 lead into the second.


Texas Tech’s Resilience in the Second Quarter

The Lady Raiders found their footing in the second quarter, responding with a 13-4 run to cut the Seminoles’ lead to one point. Jasmine Shavers was key during this stretch, hitting multiple shots and finishing the game with a team-high 18 points and five rebounds. Bailey Maupin also contributed significantly, scoring 13 points and leading the team with four assists.


Despite Texas Tech’s efforts, Florida State’s O’Mariah Gordon answered with three consecutive three-pointers late in the quarter, allowing the Seminoles to regain control. Florida State led 37-28 at halftime, thanks in part to their efficiency from beyond the arc and ability to capitalize on turnovers.


Defensive Battle in the Second Half

The third quarter featured a defensive standoff as both teams battled for control. Texas Tech used an 8-0 run fueled by consecutive three-pointers from Maupin and Shavers to cut the deficit to five points. However, Florida State’s defense, led by Timpson and Sydney Bowles, disrupted Texas Tech’s attempts to sustain momentum.


In the final quarter, the Lady Raiders made another push, with Shavers hitting a clutch three-pointer to bring the score to 58-57 with just over six minutes remaining. Florida State responded with a decisive 6-0 run, highlighted by key defensive stops and free throws from Bowles, who scored all four of her points at the foul line in the fourth quarter.


Timpson’s defensive efforts, including two blocks in the final minutes, helped the Seminoles maintain their lead. Florida State closed out the game with timely free throws and smart clock management to secure the 70-62 win.


Key Performances

Ta’Niya Latson continued her stellar season, scoring 30 points to surpass 1,500 career points and become the 10th player in Florida State history to achieve the milestone. She added 11 rebounds for her second double-double of the season and contributed five steals, showcasing her all-around impact on both ends of the court.


O’Mariah Gordon added 20 points, surpassing 1,000 career points in the process. Her three-point shooting in the second quarter proved crucial in fending off Texas Tech’s comeback attempts.


For Texas Tech, Jasmine Shavers led the way with 18 points, while Bailey Maupin contributed 13 points and four assists. Kilah Freelon had a standout defensive performance, recording a team-high seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals.


Statistical Highlights

Florida State’s defensive pressure was a key factor in their victory. The Seminoles forced 25 turnovers and recorded 15 steals, converting those opportunities into 24 points off fast breaks. Texas Tech, known for their disciplined play, committed uncharacteristic mistakes under the Seminoles’ relentless pressure.


Despite the loss, Texas Tech outscored Florida State in the second and fourth quarters and held the Seminoles to their lowest point total of the season. The Lady Raiders also limited Florida State to just four three-pointers, their lowest output from beyond the arc all year.


Looking Ahead

Florida State will face Missouri State in their next game of the Paradise Jam Tournament on Friday evening, followed by a matchup against Gonzaga on Saturday. With momentum on their side, the Seminoles aim to continue their strong non-conference performance.


Texas Tech will look to bounce back when they take on Gonzaga on Friday night. The Lady Raiders will need to address their early-game struggles and focus on maintaining consistency throughout the contest as they seek to rebound from their first loss of the season.


A Competitive Showdown

The matchup between Florida State and Texas Tech highlighted the intensity and skill of both teams. Florida State’s defensive tenacity and ability to execute in critical moments proved decisive, while Texas Tech’s resilience and adjustments showcased their potential as a contender this season. As both teams move forward in the Paradise Jam Tournament, the lessons learned from this game will undoubtedly shape their approaches in the challenges ahead.

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