Florida State continued its fast start to the 2025 college basketball season with another dominant performance, rolling past Alabama State 101-64 on Friday night at the Donald L. Tucker Center.
Lajae Jones led the Seminoles with 20 points on 8-for-10 shooting, showcasing his efficiency around the rim. Kobe MaGee added 16 points, while Martin Somerville came off the bench to chip in 14. Robert McCray V and Chauncey Wiggins each scored 12 as Florida State (2-0) surpassed the 100-point mark for the second straight game, following Tuesday’s 108-76 season-opening win over Alcorn State.
Florida State wasted no time setting the tone. The Seminoles jumped out to an 18-5 lead within the first four minutes and never trailed. Their athleticism and pressure defense overwhelmed Alabama State early, forcing turnovers and generating transition baskets. By the midpoint of the first half, the lead ballooned to 30-13.
Alabama State (0-1) mounted a brief rally late in the opening period. R’Chaun King converted a three-point play with 4:23 left to trim the deficit to 37-28, but Somerville’s quick response sparked a 9-2 Florida State run that pushed the margin back to 46-30 at halftime.
The Seminoles’ depth and tempo continued to wear down the Hornets in the second half. A quick 8-0 spurt out of the break—capped by a Wiggins 3-pointer and two free throws from Cam Mills—stretched the lead to 64-34 with just over 15 minutes remaining. From there, Florida State kept the pressure on, cycling through its bench while still maintaining its rhythm offensively.
Asjon Anderson led Alabama State with 16 points in the Hornets’ season opener, while King added 10.
Florida State shot 58% from the field and hit 10 3-pointers, while holding Alabama State to 39%. The Seminoles also won the rebounding battle decisively, 44-27, and finished with 24 assists on 38 made baskets.
The Seminoles will look to continue their hot start when they return to action next week, while Alabama State will aim to regroup as it continues its nonconference road swing.
