Florida State debuted its new, transfer-infused roster on Thursday with an exhibition against Alabama. The Seminoles showed early that they have plenty of work ahead to be a cohesive group in the half-court offense.

Sydney Bowles scored 21 points, helped by 9 of 11 shooting at the line, and junior-college transfer Pania Davis had 14 points and nine rebounds in an 91-71 loss to Alabama at Birmingham in the Ballin at Boutwell tournament.

FSU committed 23 turnovers, 15 of them in the first half, and dug a 42-25 deficit after 20 minutes.

Most jarring is FSU had just five assists. With so many new pieces, FSU struggled in half-court sets. Life without Ta'Niya Latson and O'Mariah Gordon as point guards who can create, on the fast break or in the half court, will be quite different.

While FSU had 28 paint points, the Seminoles couldn't finish consistently around the rim on dribble drives.

FSU appeared to settle in during the second half, though. The Seminoles got out on the fast break more in the fourth period.

Bowles, Amaya Bonner and Avery Treadwell are the only returners from the 2024-25 team. Bonner had seven points and two rebounds. Avery Treadwell had two points and four rebounds but fouled out in 10 minutes.

Texas Tech transfer Jasmine Shavers had 10 points on 3 of 13 shooting. She added four rebounds.

Sole Williams, a Texas A&M transfer, added nine points and two rebounds.

Maryland transfer Allie Kubek had just two points but six rebounds in 28 minutes.

Davis, the nation's top junior-college player, is quite the prospect at 6-foot-6. She had a pretty dribble, drive and spin into the lane and showed she can be a quality presence in the post.

Up next

FSU plays host to Tampa on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. in the Seminoles’ second exhibition.

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