Takeaways as FSU Basketball Dominates Season Opener Against FAMU

Florida State kicked off its basketball season Monday night with a decisive neutral-site win over cross-town rival Florida A&M in Tampa, topping the Rattlers 113-69. The Seminoles built separation early, grabbing six offensive rebounds in the first four minutes and repeatedly sending FAMU to the free-throw line even when shots weren’t falling. Marcis Ponder stood out immediately with two offensive-rebound putbacks, while Florida State’s defense limited Florida A&M’s quality looks. The fouls told the story, with FSU up 10-0 in fouls early. Sebastian Rancik added 14 first-half points, and Florida State led 54-27 en route to 23 free throws. Missouri is back…