Dec. 22, 2025, 10:12 p.m. ET

Florida State basketball closed out its non-conference schedule on a strong note Monday night, handling the Jacksonville Dolphins in front of the home crowd at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center as the Seminoles look to build momentum ahead of a challenging ACC slate. FSU earned a convincing 87-63 victory, showcasing scoring balance, defensive activity, and production from key contributors across the roster.

The Seminoles’ offense was firing early, paced by Martin Somerville’s early burst — including a hot start that fueled a fast pace and forced Jacksonville into rotations that couldn’t keep up. Somerville finished with 23 points to lead all scorers, while Alex Steen made his presence felt with key rebounds and secondary scoring. FSU’s ability to attack inside and space the floor kept the Dolphins on their heels all night.

Balanced Scoring and Efficient Offense

Florida State’s three-point shooting was a difference-maker, particularly in the first half. The Seminoles knocked down 13 of 28 three-point attempts before halftime, helping them build a commanding 43-21 lead at the break. FSU’s accuracy from deep and willingness to push the pace allowed them to stay in front on the glass and in transition.

Playmaking and Defense Stand Out

Bench play and ball movement were evident throughout the game. Robert McCray recorded a historical performance with his fourth career game of 10+ assists, demonstrating control, vision, and leadership on the offensive end. That kind of distribution — paired with penalties forced in key spots and opportunistic scoring — helped Florida State convert turnovers into points and keep Jacksonville on its heels.

Florida State’s defense was equally impressive, generating turnovers and limiting Jacksonville’s opportunities. While Jacksonville has shown it can stay competitive by sharing the ball — ranking eighth in the ASUN with 13.9 assists per game — the Dolphins could not find rhythm against FSU’s improved pressure defense, especially on the perimeter. The Dolphins’ struggles continued a recent five-game road slide, a trend that extended Monday night in Tallahassee.

Keys Moving Forward

This victory not only concluded non-conference play on a high note but also provided valuable confidence and rhythm for the Seminoles heading into ACC competition. Florida State’s scoring margin, defensive toughness, and ball movement were all strong indicators that the team is stabilizing after earlier inconsistency.

As the Seminoles turn their focus toward a Dec. 30 road test at North Carolina, followed by home games against Duke and NC State, this performance will serve as a blueprint: efficient offense, defensive pressure, and shared scoring can be the foundation for success against the ACC’s deeper competition.

Follow us @FSUWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes, and opinions.