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Florida State, Alabama light up scoreboard; 'Noles fall in Loucks' exhibition debut

DSC07065 (1)by: Matt LaSerre10/17/25laserrematt
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Florida State guard Martin Somerville looks to make a pass Thursday night against Alabama. (Courtesy of FSU Sports Information)

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In his first competition as the Florida State basketball head coach, Luke Loucks and his Seminoles held their ground against Alabama, but ultimately came up short 109-105.

Alabama went on a pivotal run toward the end of the second half, making six of seven field goals, while FSU missed four consecutive shots on the other end.

“I told you guys first team to 100 wins, and they got to 100 first … it was going to be a game of runs,” Loucks said. “Obviously, Alabama’s got a really high-powered offense. I feel like we do too. … I’m proud of our guys. There’s a lot to be encouraged about.”

Point guard Robert McCray was a bright spot for Florida State; he turned in a team-high 26 points. Drexel transfer Kobe MaGee also showed potential, making a three-pointer to keep the game close late. Magee finished with 14 points.

Florida State was leading by as many as seven points with nine minutes left in the game before Alabama was able to surge to a 104-94 lead with two minutes to play. In Loucks’ new up-tempo system, the Seminoles attempted 79 shots from the field, including 43 three pointers.

Foul trouble was a big problem for Florida State down the stretch, however, as Thomas Bassong, Alier Maluk and Cam Miles all fouled out. In the first half, the ‘Noles were whistled for 16 fouls in the game’s first 16 minutes.

“You can’t put a team on the free-throw line 49 times and expect to beat anyone,” Loucks said.

LaBaron Philon led the way for the Crimson Tide with 28 points. Guard Aden Holloway also had 20 points for Alabama.

Florida State will take on Florida A&M in its second exhibition game on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the Tucker Center.

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