Florida State Triumphs Over Tulane in Orange Bowl Basketball Classic

Seminoles Dominate Tulane Behind Watkins' Career Night in Orange Bowl Classic

Junior FSU Guard Jamir Watkins at the free throw line. Watkins had a career night at the line going 19 for 23. Mahi Media/Nick Zukauskas

SUNRISE, Fla. – The Florida State Seminoles bounced back from a two-game skid with a commanding 77-64 victory over the Tulane Green Wave in the Orange Bowl Basketball Classic at BB&T Arena. Jamir Watkins spearheaded the Seminoles' effort, delivering a career-high 29 points, fueled by a stellar performance from the free-throw line where he converted 19 of 23 attempts.

Florida State (8-3) overcame an early six-point deficit after Tulane's Kaleb Banks and Rowan Brumbaugh opened the game with back-to-back threes. The Seminoles responded emphatically with a 21-2 run that shifted momentum entirely in their favor. Stifling defense defined Florida State’s first half as they forced seven turnovers and capitalized with 11 fast-break points, building a 37-22 halftime advantage.

Tulane (7-4) struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting just 33.9% from the field and 13.6% from beyond the arc. However, Banks shone brightly for the Green Wave, recording a career-high 33 points and grabbing 16 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to dominate in the paint and on the boards. Brumbaugh added 15 points, but Tulane’s bench failed to make an impact, contributing no points. 

Tulane Green Wave Junior Guard Gregg Glenn III drives through the paint. Mahi Media/Nick Zukauskas

Watkins’ leadership was critical in closing out the game. The junior guard was clutch in the final minutes, sinking 10 of 12 free throws to fend off Tulane’s late push, which cut the Seminoles' lead to 10 points. Jerry Deng added 13 points, while Malique Ewin and Justin Thomas each chipped in 10. 

Florida State’s efficiency stood out as they shot 48.8% from the field and 35.3% from deep. Though Tulane out-rebounded the Seminoles 40-27, including a 15-2 edge in offensive boards, the Green Wave’s inability to convert those second-chance opportunities proved costly.  

Defensively, Florida State tallied seven steals and four blocks, disrupting Tulane’s attack and forcing 14 turnovers. Christian Nitu provided energy off the bench for the Seminoles, while Daquan Davis contributed five assists to lead a well-rounded team performance.  

The victory provides much-needed momentum for Florida State as they continue their non-conference slate. Tulane will look to regroup and build off Banks’ standout performance.  

In the Orange Bowl Classic’s earlier game, UCF edged Tulsa, setting the stage for an action-packed doubleheader in Sunrise. The Seminoles’ victory closed the evening with an exclamation mark, showcasing their potential to contend as the season progresses.