TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — In their season opener, Florida State emerged victorious against Northern Kentucky with a score of 74-62. Both Jamir Watkins and Taylor Bol Bowen contributed significantly to the win, each scoring 17 points on Monday night.

Watkins demonstrated his offensive prowess by shooting 8 for 17 from the floor, including a successful three-pointer, and he also secured four rebounds. Last season, he was the leading scorer for the Seminoles, averaging 15.6 points along with six rebounds per game. Bol Bowen, meanwhile, was 5 for 9 in field goals and impressively converted all seven of his free-throw attempts against Northern Kentucky.

The Seminoles collectively managed to shoot 28 out of 63, achieving a shooting percentage of 44%. They recorded 14 assists throughout the game, with four players contributing at least three assists each.

For Northern Kentucky, Josh Dilling led the effort with 18 points, while Randall Pettus II followed with 12 points. Notably, the duo excelled at the charity stripe, combining for 12 successful free throws out of 13 attempts.

Florida State took control of the game roughly eight minutes post-tip-off and went into halftime with a comfortable 43-31 lead. They maintained a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the matchup. Bol Bowen made a notable impact in the first half, scoring 15 points, while Watkins contributed with nine points and a three-pointer.

This game marked the inaugural matchup between these two teams, and it was also significant for the Seminoles, as it was their first victory over a Horizon League opponent since their 100-71 triumph over Detroit Mercy on November 20, 2016.