Florida State women return from COVID postponements with 87-46 win vs Wake Forest
Florida State women’s basketball head coach Sue Semrau was overcome with gratitude after the Seminoles beat Wake Forest Sunday.
And it had nothing to do with the final score.
In the aftermath of having games postponed due to COVID issues, then a last-minute time change, she immediately grabbed the microphone and addressed the crowd of 2,068 at midcourt.
“The way you supported us after all the COVID issues," Semrau said as applauding fans stood in celebration.
"We needed you today. You guys were fantastic. Thank you very much."
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This was Semrau's response to the runaway 87-46 victory over the visiting Demon Deacons at the Tucker Civic Center.
FSU (7-6 overall, 1-2 ACC) earned its first ACC triumph of the season. It also avenged an overtime loss (75-69) to Wake Forest in December.
Makayla Timpson led FSU in scoring with 13 points.
Out of the 12 active players for FSU, 11 scored and contributed to their highest scoring game of the season with their largest win margin.
The Seminoles jumped out to a 44-28 advantage at the half to coast to the victory.
I was very impressed with the win today,” Semrau said.
“It started with defense and rebounding. We were able to outrebound a great defensive rebounding team. Not only did they take care of the ball, but they also learned how to connect with each other on the court with the ball. It was so much fun; it was really pretty basketball to watch.”
Flurry of baskets for Florida State
The hometown rims were kind to the Seminoles as they shot 55% from the field (33 of 60).
FSU drained shots from the paint, wing and from 3-point range.
It’s long-range shooting was particularly impressive. Entering the game, Wake Forest was 23% in defensive 3-point field goal scoring.
The Seminoles, however, drilled 50% (8 of 16) from behind the arc.
Puisis hits triple figures in 3-pointers
Sammie Puisis has built a reputation for being a sharpshooter.
She hit a milestone with her accuracy by connecting on the 100th 3-pointer of her career. This landmark play came in the third quarter.
She is the 16th player in school history with over 100 3-point buckets.
”I didn’t know when the shot went in that it was my 100th 3-pointer,” Puisis said.
”When I saw myself on the Jumbotron, it was exciting. I credit my teammates for allowing me to get 100 3s. This is pretty cool.”
She wrapped up the day with nine points - all on long-range shots.
Defensive diamonds for the Noles
FSU’s defense was outstanding.
The Seminoles shot the ball at a high rate. But the defensive stops was the springboard that led to the blowout.
Wake Forest was limited to 35% from the floor. It also had 17 turnovers.
The Seminoles also outrebounded the visitors 40-27.
Jewel Spear tops the ACC in points with 20.4 per game.
She was held in check with only 10 against FSU on 4 of 16 from the field.
”I was so proud. It started with our post players and not letting them get easy touches,” Semrau said.
“I thought our guards did a good job on Jewel Spear. They wore her down. Our defense led to a nice offensive performance.”
Up next
FSU travels to Atlanta to face Georgia Tech on Tuesday at 8 p.m. on the ACC Network.
Scoring Summary
WFU 13 15 6 12 46
FSU 21 23 24 19 87
Leaders
FSU: Makayla Timpson 13 pts., 3 blocks; Valencia Myers 12 pts., 3 rebs.; Morgan Jones 11 pts., 4 rebs.
WFU: Jewel Spear 10 pts., 3 assists; Christina Morra 10 pts.
Follow sportswriter Rory Sharrock on Twitter @married2game1.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Florida State women return from COVID postponements with 87-46 win vs Wake Forest
