Ta'Niya Latson Drops 40 as Florida State Destroys Virginia – Why She Deserves Player of the Year Buzz!

In a display of offensive prowess, the Florida State Seminoles women's basketball team dismantled the Virginia Cavaliers 101-68 on Thursday night at John Paul Jones Arena. This victory not only marked the Seminoles' sixth consecutive win but also set a new program record with their seventh game of the season scoring over 100 points. 

Latson and Timpson celebrate together

Sophomore guard Ta'Niya Latson was nothing short of spectacular, pouring in 40 points and showcasing why she's considered one of the nation's elite players. Complementing her performance, forward Makayla Timpson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds, asserting dominance in the paint.

The Seminoles' efficiency was evident as they shot 55% from the field and 45% from three-point range. Their aggressive defense forced 18 Virginia turnovers, converting those opportunities into 28 points.

This win propels Florida State to a 19-4 overall record and 9-2 in ACC play, solidifying their position as formidable contenders in the conference. Entering the game as the highest-scoring team in women's college basketball, averaging over 90 points per game, the Seminoles continue to set a torrid pace offensively.

The Florida State Seminoles' remarkable season is anchored by the exceptional performances of sophomore guard Ta'Niya Latson and forward Makayla Timpson. Latson has been a consistent offensive force, averaging 26.6 points per game over 18 games in the 2024-25 season. Her scoring ability places her among the nation's elite, yet she remains underrepresented in national Player of the Year discussions.  Timpson has been a defensive stalwart for the Seminoles, earning a spot on the 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watchlist.  Their combined efforts have been instrumental in establishing the Seminoles as a formidable force in women's college basketball.

On the other side, the Cavaliers struggled to keep pace. Guard Kymora Johnson led Virginia with 22 points, but the team's efforts were insufficient against Florida State's relentless attack.

Looking ahead, the Seminoles aim to maintain their momentum as they prepare to host NC State on Sunday, February 9, at the Tucker Center in Tallahassee. With their current form and offensive firepower, Florida State is poised to continue their impressive run and further establish themselves atop the ACC standings.