FSU Basketball Loses To Lipscomb 78-75: Is Leonard Hamilton’s Time Up?

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Noles comeback effort fell short in today’s game as they lose 78-75 to the Lipscomb Bison. Florida State now falls to 6-6 while the Bison go to 9-6.

The game started off competitive; both teams were neck and neck until around 4 minutes left in the first half, when Lipscomb turned on the jets. They went on a 12-2 run to end the half and were up 46-31. All of the momentum was in favor of the Bison heading into halftime. The Noles looked lost and did not seem to have response.

When the second half came around, Lipscomb continued to widen the lead to 21 points with 16:24 left. It looked as though all hope was lost and we would see the Noles get absolutely shred to pieces at the Tuck, but the Noles showed some life.

FSU went on a 12-0 run late in the second half in an attempt to make a come back. With 10 seconds left, FSU was only down by 3. Lipscomb center Grant Asman went up for a layup to ice the game but it was blocked by FSU forward Jamir Watkins. Darin Green got the ball and had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer with a three, but it did not sink. FSU bench reserve players ran onto the court to console Green as soon as the buzzer went off.

Lipscomb was able to withstand the late push from the Noles and leave Tallahassee with a win. Lipscomb is now 2-2 all time versus the Noles and have their first win since 1951.

Many people are calling for Leonard Hamilton to be fired after this game due to the lackluster performance against a low tier D1 team. Since the 2020-21 team, Hamilton has gone 32-43 with a 9-23 season last year. It does not seem to be getting any better and he is reaching an old age.

Don’t expect it to happen any time soon though, as I expect FSU will let him finish out the season with the Noles. Hamilton has a long history with FSU, coaching the basketball team since 2002, and firing him in the middle of the season would leave a sour taste in many fans mouths.

FSU will play Georgia Tech next at home on Wednesday, January 3rd, at 7:00 PM. Catch it live on FUBO.