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FSU Edges Jacksonville In Opener

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By DOUG BLACKBURN

The Tallahassee Democrat

Published: November 16, 2008

JACKSONVILLE - Toney Douglas had no intention of going home when the Florida State bus pulled into Tallahassee early this morning.

He was heading straight to the gym.

"I'm going to shoot 100 free throws," FSU's senior guard said. "Make that 200 free throws. I'm not joking."

Douglas missed five of six free throws during the final 1:59 Saturday as the Seminoles held on for a 59-57 win against Jacksonville in their season opener at Veterans Memorial Arena.

"I've never missed free throws down the stretch - never," Douglas added. "Not in college, not in high school, not in AAU. I was happy we won but I'm just disappointed in myself."

FSU led 57-40 with 3:40 to play, but the Seminoles almost imploded during the closing minutes. Travis Cohn's jumper with two seconds to play brought the Dolphins within two, 59-57.

Douglas was fouled on the inbounds pass, but he missed both free throws. Jacksonville was unable to launch a possible game-winning shot.

"I'm a little disappointed that we didn't finish the game well, but we were able to win," said Leonard Hamilton, who improved to 7-0 in season openers as FSU's coach. "Sometimes you can get a better lesson from a close victory than a close loss."

Freshman forward Chris Singleton had a terrific debut for the Seminoles, with 12 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.

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