Sebastian Rancik scored a career-high 25 points and Marcis Ponder recorded a double-double in his collegiate debut with 15 points and 11 rebounds to lead Florida State to a 112-69 rout of crosstown foe Florida A&M on Monday night in the nightcap of the Orion180 Tipoff Classic in Tampa, Fla.
It marks the second consecutive time that Florida State scored over 100 points in its season opener.
Rancik led a stellar offensive effort by the Seminoles (1-0), who are trying to return to the NCAA Tournament this season for the first time since 2021.
In the first regular-season matchup between the two Tallahassee, Fla.-based schools since 1991, the Seminoles amassed their highest point total since they scored 113 points against Chicago State on Nov. 25, 2019.
The Rattlers (0-1), who are entering their second season coached by Florida State legend and former Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward, had three players score in double figures despite the lopsided loss.
Jaden Kempson led Florida A&M with a game-high 27 points and three assists, while Daisean Williford totaled 19 points and five rebounds. Antonio Barker Jr. chipped in 15 points, five rebounds and four assists.
The Rattlers struggled to keep the game close due to 17 turnovers, which led to 22 Florida State points.
The Seminoles made up for shooting 8 for 24 from 3-point range, including 3 for 12 in the first half, by tallying 62 points in the paint to FAMU’s 22.
Florida State also took advantage of numerous trips to the foul line, making 26 of 34 free-throw attempts.
After scoring the first 10 points of the game, Florida State used a 13-2 run to push its lead to 26-10 with 9:05 left in the first half. The Seminoles later finished the half on an 8-0 run to lead 54-27 at the break.
Kameron Taylor finished with 15 points, five rebounds and four assists for the Seminoles. Anthony Robinson II had 16 points and eight rebounds. Brandon Bass Jr. scored 13 points and Martay Barnes added 10.
