You're probably staring at your phone right now, scrolling through scores and wondering how on earth the Florida State Seminoles ended up here. If you're looking for the Florida State score today, the news coming out of the Petersen Events Center isn't exactly what the Tallahassee faithful were hoping for. Honestly, it’s been a rough stretch.
The Noles traveled up to Pittsburgh on Thursday, January 15, 2026, desperately trying to snap a skid that feels like it’s been dragging on for an eternity. The women's team entered the night 5-12 overall and winless in the ACC.
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Pitt wasn't exactly a juggernaut coming in at 8-10, but the atmosphere at "The Pete" is always a bit tricky. FSU had some momentum early—or at least the idea of momentum—but as we've seen too often this season, the second half became a mountain too steep to climb.
The Florida State Score Today: Breaking Down the Game
It’s easy to just look at a box score and see a loss. It’s another thing to watch the way this team is fighting through a transition year. Sole Williams has been a literal lighthouse in a storm for this squad. Coming off a 19-point performance against Miami just a few days ago, she was the primary focus for the Panthers' defense.
Basically, Pitt decided they weren't going to let Williams beat them. They threw double teams at her at the top of the key and dared the rest of the roster to make plays.
The score today reflects a team that is talented but currently lacking that "closer" instinct. You've got players like Tatum Greene and Amaya Bonner playing their hearts out, but the defensive rotations are just a half-step slow right now.
Why the Defense is Struggling
If you talk to anyone close to the program, they’ll tell you the same thing: communication.
- Switching errors: There were at least four possessions in the first half where two Noles followed the same cutter, leaving a Pitt shooter wide open in the corner.
- Rebounding gaps: Jasmine Shavers is doing what she can on the glass, but FSU is getting out-muscled by bigger ACC frontcourts.
- Transition points: The Panthers thrived on the fast break. Every time FSU missed a contested layup, Pitt was off to the races.
It's sorta frustrating because you see the flashes. There was a three-minute stretch in the second quarter where the Seminoles looked like a top-25 team. The ball was moving, the cuts were sharp, and the Florida State score today actually looked promising for a moment. Then, the wheels just kinda wobbled.
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A Brutal Week for the Men’s Team Too
We can't talk about the current state of FSU athletics without mentioning the men's side. They just came off a high-octane battle against Syracuse on Tuesday night.
That game was a track meet. 94-86.
Syracuse shot nearly 60% from the floor. You just aren't going to win many games when the opponent is throwing it into the ocean from the parking lot. Kobe MaGee dropped 20 points, and Martin Somerville looked like a future star with those four triples, but the 0-4 start in the ACC is a heavy weight to carry.
It’s weird. They’re scoring. They put up 86 points! In most seasons, an 86-point performance is a guaranteed "W" for Leonard Hamilton’s group. But the trademark "Junkyard Dog" defense isn't biting the way it used to. They're allowing too many straight-line drives to the rim.
The Football Portal Chaos
And then there's the football news. While you're checking the Florida State score today for basketball, the football world is reeling from the loss of the Desir twins.
Mandrell and Darryll Desir officially entered the transfer portal on Wednesday. This one hurts. Mandrell was just named a Freshman All-American. He had 6.5 sacks! To lose that kind of homegrown talent to the portal is a gut punch to the 2026 outlook.
Mike Norvell is working overtime, obviously. He’s already brought in guys like CJ Richard and Ashton Daniels to plug the holes, but the defensive line is looking a bit thin. Fans are rightfully anxious. It’s a "what have you done for me lately" sport, and right now, the portal is taking more than it's giving.
What’s Next for the Seminoles?
There is a path forward. There always is.
For the basketball teams, it’s about defensive identity. You can't outscore everyone in the ACC if you're giving up 90+ points or letting teams shoot 50% from the field. It doesn't work.
- Refine the Rotation: Coach needs to find a core six or seven players who trust each other implicitly on the defensive end.
- Health Matters: We’ve seen a few nagging injuries slow down the pace. Getting back to 100% is non-negotiable.
- The Home Crowd: The Noles need the Tucker Center to be a fortress again.
Honestly, being a Seminole fan right now requires a lot of patience. It’s a rebuilding cycle that feels a bit more like a demolition at times, but the talent is there. Sole Williams isn't going anywhere, and the young core on the football team—despite the transfers—still has some serious dogs.
Keep an eye on the schedule. The next few games are "must-wins" if there's any hope of a postseason push. You've got to find a way to grit out these tough road games in the ACC, or it's going to be a very long spring in Tallahassee.
Actionable Insights for Fans
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If you're following the Florida State score today and want to stay ahead of the curve, focus on the defensive efficiency metrics rather than just the final score. Watch for the "points in the paint" stats in the next box score; if FSU can keep that number under 30, they'll start winning. Also, keep a close watch on the January 22nd portal deadline for football—that's when we'll know the final shape of the 2026 roster.