Amber Aniston • December 8, 2024

SMU Falls Short in ACC Opener Against Florida State, 93-85

The SMU Mustangs made a strong impression in their ACC debut but ultimately fell 93-85 to the Florida State Seminoles in a high-scoring matchup this afternoon at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. Florida State’s Ta’Niya Latson delivered a career-high 39 points to power the Seminoles to victory, while SMU’s Chantae Embry led her team with a season-high 22 points. Despite the loss, SMU showed resilience and offensive firepower in a competitive game against one of the ACC’s top teams.


The win improved Florida State to 9-2 on the season and 1-0 in ACC play, while SMU dropped to 5-5 overall and 0-1 in the conference. The game featured intense back-and-forth action, with both teams trading runs before Florida State pulled away in the second half.


SMU’s Strong First Half

SMU came out firing, matching Florida State’s fast pace and showcasing their offensive depth. Embry set the tone early, scoring six points in the first five minutes as the Mustangs kept pace with the Seminoles. The opening quarter ended with Florida State holding a slim 21-20 lead, with both teams shooting efficiently from the field.


The second quarter belonged to SMU, as Embry caught fire from beyond the arc, hitting three consecutive three-pointers. Her 13 points in the quarter helped the Mustangs outscore Florida State 27-20, giving them a 47-41 halftime lead. Zanai Jones and Nya Robertson also contributed to SMU’s offensive surge, combining for 16 points and several key assists to keep the Seminoles’ defense off balance.


SMU’s defense also stepped up in the first half, forcing eight Florida State turnovers and converting them into 12 points. The Mustangs controlled the tempo and dominated inside, outscoring the Seminoles 22-14 in the paint by halftime.


Florida State’s Second-Half Resurgence

Florida State responded emphatically in the third quarter, fueled by Latson’s relentless scoring and Makayla Timpson’s dominance in the post. The Seminoles opened the half with a 12-2 run, quickly erasing SMU’s lead. Latson scored 14 of her 39 points in the third quarter alone, showcasing her ability to attack the rim and create opportunities at the free-throw line.


Timpson added eight points in the period, helping Florida State outscore SMU 32-15 in the third quarter to take a 73-62 lead into the final frame. The Seminoles capitalized on their ability to generate second-chance points, pulling down seven offensive rebounds in the quarter and converting them into critical baskets.


SMU’s Late Rally Falls Short

The Mustangs mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter, cutting the Seminoles’ lead to five points with just under a minute to play. Jones was instrumental in the rally, scoring 10 of her 17 points in the final period, including a fast-break layup and a critical and-one play. Robertson added seven points in the quarter, helping SMU hit six consecutive field goals during a late-game surge.


However, Florida State’s composure in the final minutes proved too much for SMU to overcome. Latson delivered a dagger mid-range jumper with 45 seconds left, and O’Mariah Gordon sealed the victory with a pair of free throws. The Seminoles’ 23-of-30 performance from the free-throw line was a decisive factor, as SMU managed just 8-of-10 from the stripe.


Key Performances

Embry led SMU with a season-high 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including a 4-for-7 performance from beyond the arc. She also grabbed nine rebounds, falling just short of a double-double. Jones contributed 17 points and tied her career high with seven assists, while Robertson added 19 points and a career-best six assists. Jessica Peterson was a force inside, pulling down 11 rebounds and scoring 10 points.


Latson’s 39 points for Florida State tied the second-highest single-game total in program history. Timpson chipped in 16 points and nine rebounds, while Gordon added 21 points, six rebounds, and three assists.


Statistical Highlights

Both teams shot well from the field, with SMU hitting 44% and Florida State shooting 41%. The Seminoles dominated in transition, scoring 18 fast-break points, and out-rebounded SMU 42-37, including 13 offensive boards. SMU outscored Florida State in the paint 40-38 but struggled to contain the Seminoles’ explosive third-quarter run.


Looking Ahead

SMU will return home to host Texas Tech in their next game as they aim to bounce back from today’s loss. The Mustangs will look to build on their offensive success while addressing the defensive lapses that allowed Florida State to pull away in the second half.


Florida State, now one of the ACC’s top teams, will look to maintain their momentum when they face Drexel in their next game. With Latson’s record-breaking performance and a deep supporting cast, the Seminoles are positioning themselves as strong contenders in the conference.


A Competitive Start to ACC Play

SMU’s 93-85 loss to Florida State highlighted their ability to compete against top-tier competition in their ACC debut. Embry, Jones, and Robertson showcased the offensive depth and resilience that will serve the Mustangs well as they navigate a challenging conference schedule. For Florida State, the win reaffirmed their dominance, with Latson leading the way in a performance that could define their season. Both teams leave this matchup with valuable takeaways as they prepare for the road ahead.

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