Seminoles Win Coaches vs. Cancer Semifinals, Beat BYU 88-70

If Friday night was a glimpse of Florida State's A-game they're going to be a tough out this season. The Seminoles shots 58% and held BYU to 33% in the semifinal of the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament and will play St. Joseph's tomorrow night. 

Florida State looked night-and-day different from the team who lost to South Alabama a week ago, this Seminole team was focused and potent, it looked the part of a contender. Patching together performances from newcomers and veterans alike, Florida State handled BYU convincingly.

Okaro White lead the scoring with 17 points, Michael Snaer had 16, Ian Miller added 15. Snaer also had 10 rebounds and four assists to lead the Seminoles.

"Michael, being a senior on such a young team has at some points forced his will on this team," Leonard Hamilton said after the game. "He wants all the dirty work, the toughest defensive assignments, he wants to take the big shot or be on the foul line at the end of the game. He led by example..."

White and Miller also did their part on Friday as did Terrance Shannon who added 16 minutes off the bench.

The play of the newcomers, Devon Bookert and Boris Bojanovsky in particular, was the other story. The Seminoles kept a nice cushion between themselves and the Cougars for much of the game and Bookert was a big part of that. The true freshman point guard had 15 points, 5 assists and 5 rebounds in some of his first meaningful action of the season. If he develops into the 'Noles starting point he'll open that offense up in amazing ways.

Bojonovsky wasn't that impressive on the statsheet but had a couple blocks and rebounds and looks to have plenty of potential as he gets the feel of the college game.

On the other end of the floor it was the Seminole defense which showed up to play. The team that doesn't let other squads hit their shots was on full display at the Barclay Center at BYU never found rhythm and never really threatened down the stretch.

Florida State can make it 3-1 on the season and win the Coaches vs. Cancer tourney with a win tonight over St. Joe's.