TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Interstat) — The Florida State Seminoles showcased a dominant and high-octane offensive performance Friday night, overwhelming the visiting Alabama State Hornets from the opening tip and cruising to a decisive 101-64 victory at the Donald L. Tucker Center.

In their home opener before a crowd of 6,137, the Seminoles left little doubt about the outcome, improving their early season record to two wins and no losses. The Hornets, playing their first game of the young season, fell to zero wins and one loss.

The game unfolded as a stark contrast in firepower. Florida State’s offense operated with relentless efficiency, consistently finding high-percentage shots and capitalizing on transition opportunities. The Seminoles built a commanding 46-30 lead by halftime and showed no signs of relenting after the break, outscoring Alabama State 55-34 in the second half to surpass the century mark.

The final score and the manner of the victory aligned with pregame expectations, as national statistical models had given Florida State a 95.90 percent probability of winning. The Seminoles also comfortably covered the pregame betting spread, which had been set at 25 points in their favor. Despite the offensive outburst from the home team, the combined total of 165 points fell just under the projected over/under line of 162.

Florida State’s attack was a balanced and multifaceted effort, with several players making significant contributions. The Seminoles’ depth was on full display throughout the contest, allowing them to maintain a high level of intensity on both ends of the floor for the full forty minutes. The team’s cohesive ball movement and defensive pressure created numerous scoring chances and prevented Alabama State from ever establishing an offensive rhythm.

Alabama State struggled to match Florida State’s pace and precision. The Hornets managed 30 points in the first period but were unable to slow the Seminoles’ attack, leading to a 16-point deficit at the intermission. A slightly more productive second half, in which they scored 34 points, was rendered moot by Florida State’s simultaneous offensive explosion.

The loss begins a challenging stretch for Alabama State, which now embarks on a demanding schedule. The Hornets will look to regroup before traveling to face UAB on Tuesday, November 11. Their upcoming slate includes a cross-country trip for games against Colorado and Air Force, followed by a multi-team event at the Air Force Academy. The non-conference schedule remains arduous, with future road games at New Mexico, Tennessee-Martin, Missouri, and Cincinnati.

For Florida State, the victory builds momentum ahead of one of their most anticipated non-conference tests. The Seminoles will travel south to face in-state rival Florida on Tuesday, November 11, in a matchup that will provide a sterner measure of the team’s early-season form. Following the rivalry game, Florida State returns home for contests against Tennessee-Martin and Georgia Southern before a neutral-site game against Texas A&M in Tampa later in the month. Their schedule also features high-profile home games against Georgia and Houston, the latter being played in Houston, Texas.

The Seminoles entered the contest with confidence after a commanding 108-76 win over Alcorn State this past Tuesday, and they continued that offensive prowess against Alabama State. The team’s ability to distribute scoring and maintain defensive pressure suggests a deep and well-rounded squad as they navigate the early part of their schedule.

Key individual performances fueled the Seminoles’ rout. While the entire roster contributed, the depth chart was filled with players making an impact. The team’s international presence was felt, with Paris, France native Thomas Bassong, a 6-foot-8 forward, among those contributing. The roster also featured significant size and length, exemplified by 7-foot center Alier Maluk of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the athleticism of 6-foot-6 guard Kobe MaGee from Allentown, Pennsylvania.

The game served as a statement of intent for Florida State, demonstrating an offensive capability that, if sustained, will make them a formidable opponent throughout the season. For Alabama State, the contest was a difficult introduction to the season, highlighting areas for improvement as they face a gauntlet of challenging opponents in the weeks ahead. The Hornets will need to find answers quickly as they continue their season on the road.