Florida State men’s basketball kicked off its second season under head coach Luke Loucks with a dominant 113-69 victory over FAMU on Monday, Nov. 2, at Benchmark International Arena in Tampa. The Seminoles (1-0) showcased their offensive firepower during the Orion180 Tip-Off Classic, with six players scoring in double figures. Sebastian Rancik led the charge with a career-high 25 points, anchoring a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Rattlers from the opening tip. This high-scoring performance marks a historic milestone, as FSU has now surpassed the 100-point mark in consecutive season openers for the first time in over four decades.
Seminoles score 100+ in back-to-back openers for first time in 40 years
The matchup carries significant historical weight, as the two programs had not played each other in over 30 years following a brawl and forfeit in a December 1991 contest. The series was revived under the mutual direction of Loucks and FAMU head coach Charlie Ward, who previously faced off in last season’s preseason. While FAMU’s Jaden Kempson Jr. led the Rattlers with 27 points, supported by Daisean Williford (19) and Antonio Baker Jr. (15), the gap in talent and execution was evident throughout the contest. The decisive win in Tampa serves as a proof of concept for the regular-season viability of this historic rivalry.
Looking ahead, both coaching staffs have expressed strong interest in making this matchup a regular fixture, potentially moving the game to Tallahassee in future seasons. The successful execution of this road trip demonstrates that the series can thrive within the regular season schedule, providing a compelling narrative for fans and media alike. With the season opener secured and offensive momentum building, the Seminoles are poised to carry this aggressive style into upcoming conference play, establishing a new baseline for their program under Loucks.
Source: Yahoo Sports
