Jamir Watkins scores 30 points as FSU defeats Rice to improve to 2-0

Florida State showed off its defense early. The second half wasn’t nearly as crisp, but the Seminoles had too much firepower.

Jamir Watkins scored 30 points, six rebounds and three steals as FSU took an early lead and held on to it, beating Rice 73-65 on Saturday night.

The senior shot 7 of 14 from the floor and 14 of 22 from the free throw line. Had he made a few more free throws, Watkins could have matched his career high of 34 points.

Junior college transfer Malique Ewin struggled early but scored all 11 points in the second half. Ewin shot 4 of 11 from the floor. He added seven rebounds, five of them in the second half.

Taylor Bowen had six points, seven rebounds, two blocks and two steals.

Justin Thomas scored eight points for FSU off the bench. Thomas shot 2 of 5 from distance.

FSU (2-0) finished the game with nine steals and seven blocks. The Seminoles scored 23 points off turnovers.

One sore point: Rice outrebounded FSU 39-36. The Owls grabbed 14 offensive rebounds.

The Seminoles shot 23 of 54 (42.6 percent), but they made just 5 of 19 (26.3 percent) of their threes.

Alem Huseinovic led Rice with 14 points.

FSU hosts Tarleton State on Tuesday at 7 p.m