Florida State Edges LSU in Exhibition Basketball Match
Florida State defeated LSU by a final score of 89-87 in a tight exhibition basketball contest.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Basketball
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Florida State secured a narrow 89-87 victory over LSU in an exhibition game held in Tallahassee. The matchup featured high-scoring performances from multiple players as both teams tested their rosters.
Why it matters
The exhibition provided a critical opportunity for coaching staffs to evaluate player rotations and integrate new team members ahead of the official collegiate season. These games serve as a final tuning point before the results count toward official standings.
Florida State narrowly won 89-87 in a game where LSU coach Will Wade utilized eight players. Top individual scorers included Shon Abaev with 26 points and Donovan Dent with 24 points.
The players
Will Wade
Will Wade is the head coach leading the LSU men's basketball program.
Skyy Clark
Skyy Clark is a college basketball player who demonstrated significant perimeter shooting range by hitting 7-of-12 three-pointers.
Donovan Dent
Donovan Dent is a collegiate athlete who recorded 24 points during the exhibition contest.
Shon Abaev
Shon Abaev is a basketball player who paced the scoring with a game-high 26 points.
The details
Skyy Clark led the scoring effort for his side with 21 points, notably shooting 7-of-12 from three-point range. Several other contributors also made an impact, including Michael Ruzic with nine points and Mouhamed Dioubate with eight points.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: LSU played an exhibition game at Florida State.
November 3, 2026: LSU opens the regular season against LSU-New Orleans.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition result helps determine rotation depth and player chemistry for both programs as they prepare for the rigors of the regular season. The performance impacts how coaches adjust their lineups for the upcoming non-conference schedule and eventual conference play.
The game provided a look at the shooting capability of Skyy Clark and the scoring efficiency of the roster rotation. Fans can monitor how these individual point totals and player usage rates influence the team's opening strategies for the regular season.
The takeaway
Exhibition matches are primarily used as testing grounds for player integration and tactical experimentation rather than indicators of seasonal success. Following these results helps observers gauge which new players may carry a significant load for their respective teams.
What happens next
LSU will officially commence their 2026-2027 season on November 3 against LSU-New Orleans.
Further reading
For more updates on the upcoming collegiate campaign, visit the Tallahassee Basketball page.
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Do you prioritize team wins over seeing new player debuts during exhibition basketball games?
