The Florida State men's basketball team came off an emotional loss at home on Tuesday to No. 1 Florida. Would the Seminoles have a hangover on Friday against a lesser opponent in Texas A&M Corpus Christi? 

From the way the first half started, FSU looked sloppy and unmotivated. There was a bit of a hangover but the Seminoles still pulled away in the second half to beat the Islanders 84-60. 

“I just thought we were a step slow all night offensively,” FSU coach Luke Loucks said. “We were very out of rhythm and with that, the ball has got to move. I’ll never discredit the win, winning is very tough, doesn’t matter who you play, but we have a lot to improve, especially on offense.”

One thing that wasn’t lacking on the night — and it is something that could carry this team to many victories this season — is the defense. Getting in passing lanes with their length, long arms and active hands led to many turnovers, 16 of which were turned into points.

Senior point guard Anthony Robinson II had nine deflections along with an efficient 10 points, six rebounds and four assists in just 21 minutes. 

“We had I think 23 or 24 deflections in the first half,” Loucks said. “We want 33 for the game. So it shows that disruption, it’s tangible, you can feel it when we’re climbing into the ball, when there's ball pressure. There's a lot of times when you can get fingertips on the ball, that often leads to turnovers and especially live ball turnovers.”

The Seminoles also dominated the Islanders on the boards, to the tune of 58 rebounds (including 25 offensive boards). When Florida State's offense struggles this season, they will have to lean on their defense. The offense won’t be stagnant all year; Loucks this team will gel offensively. 

In basketball, more time on the court during live action with all new players will eventually gel and the shots will start falling, but for the time being, the Seminoles will have to be active in their deflections and steals with their active hands. 

“Our offense is going to be a little bit behind because of how much we’ve been focusing on rebounding and defense,” Loucks said. “And over these next few games, we have to find a rhythm offensively.” 

FSU (3-1) welcomes Ball State next to the Tucker Center on Tuesday at 7 p.m.

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