Florida State dominated Missouri, 67-54, to advance to the round of 32. The Seminoles didn’t trail the entire second half and a lot of credit for that is due to the bench.
After gaining their first lead at the 15:16 mark in the first half, Florida State held on comfortably for the rest of the game. They shot over 40% from inside and beyond the arc to earn the victory.
FSU got a huge lift from their bench, scoring 34 points and putting three reserves into double figures. No Seminole starter scored more than 10 in this game. Freshman Mfiondu Kabengele had a team high 14 coming off the bench.
Missouri was led by Kassius Robertson, who put up 19, and Michael Porter Jr., who posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Florida State moves onto the round of 32 where they will get a rematch from last years round of 32 in which Xavier prevailed. Florida State was the favorite in that game, however, Xavier will be expected to win this matchup, and Florida State will try to upset the upsetter.
Missouri ends their season, one that was expected to end later than a first round loss, but was altered by an injury to top 5 recruit Michael Porter Jr. The tigers will now go back to the drawing board with a team expected to be without the Porter brothers.