- Ta'Niya Latson scores 28 points in triumphant NCAA Tournament return
- Florida State outscores George Mason by 35 with 54% shooting accuracy
- Seminoles advance to face LSU in second-round regional showdown
In a commanding display of offensive firepower, sixth-seeded Florida State overwhelmed George Mason 94-59 in Saturday's NCAA Tournament opener. The Seminoles' victory at Baton Rouge's Pete Maravich Assembly Hall showcased their tournament experience, with the team shooting 54% from the field while holding the Patriots to 36% accuracy.
Latson, the nation's scoring leader, demonstrated full recovery from her February injury absence with strategic drives to the basket. Her defensive hustle created three extra possessions in the second quarter alone,coach Brooke Wyckoff noted, referencing Latson's four rebounds and two steals. The sophomore guard's 11-of-14 free throw performance proved crucial during George Mason's third-quarter rally attempt.
The Seminoles' 22-6 advantage in fast-break points highlighted their transition game philosophy. Mikayla Timpson's 18-point, 11-rebound double-double complemented O’Mariah Gordon's clutch shooting, including a momentum-shifting corner three-pointer during Florida State's decisive 10-0 third-quarter run. Regional analysts noted the team's Louisiana preparation paid dividends, with players adapting quickly to the arena's shooting backgrounds.
George Mason's historic tournament debut saw graduate guard Paula Suarez set personal records with 25 points and five three-pointers. We wanted to prove mid-major teams belong here,Suarez stated postgame, though the Patriots ultimately struggled against Florida State's full-court press. The Seminoles forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 24 points.
Industry observers highlighted Florida State's defensive adjustments as tournament differentiators. Their switch to a 1-3-1 zone late in the third quarter held George Mason scoreless for four critical minutes. This strategic flexibility bodes well for Monday's matchup against LSU, where crowd dynamics could influence officiating tendencies.
With 12 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, Florida State's institutional knowledge surfaced during crunch time. The Seminoles closed the game on a 29-7 run, demonstrating poise that first-time qualifier George Mason couldn't counter. Our depth chart operates like relay racers,Wyckoff explained. Fresh legs win March games.
As women's basketball continues growing in the Gulf South region, this matchup drew record local viewership. Merchandise sales data shows Seminoles gear outpacing other tournament teams in Louisiana markets, suggesting strong fan turnout for the LSU showdown. Scouts from eight WNBA teams attended, particularly monitoring Latson's off-ball movement.
The victory marked Wyckoff's first NCAA Tournament win as head coach, continuing Florida State's streak of advancing past the first round in 80% of their appearances since 2005. With Latson averaging 26.3 points in postseason play, the Seminoles appear positioned for their first Sweet Sixteen run since 2017.