Gibson leads Florida State over Mercer

Published Nov. 23, 2010 9:01 p.m. ET

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) -- Xavier Gibson tied his career high with 17 points and Derwin Kitchen added 16 points as Florida State cruised to a 79-55 win over Mercer on Tuesday night.

Gibson made 7 of 9 shots from the floor and added seven rebounds and three blocks.

"Xavier gave us a tremendous lift," Florida State coach Leonard Hamilton said. "It's obvious that he wanted to show us that he's a major contributor. Tonight he was very focused. It's obvious that his teammates have a lot of confidence in him."

Chris Singleton has recorded a triple-double and three double-doubles in his last four games. He had 10 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks for the Seminoles (5-0).

"He's the ultimate team player," Hamilton said. "You see him trying to play within the system that will help us develop (younger) players. That will help us become a better team."

Florida State has scored at least 75 points in each game this season. The Seminoles have won their five games by an average of 22.8 points.

The Seminoles led 19-12 with 10:15 left in the first half and went on a 20-10 run to grab a 39-22 halftime lead.

Florida State was 15 of 30 (50 percent) from the floor in the first half and improved to 13 of 21 (61.9 percent) from the floor in the second half.

Brandon Moore 14 points and six rebounds for Mercer (1-3), which did not shoot well in either half. The Bears shot 8 of 38 (21.1 percent) from the floor and finished the game 19 of 76 (25 percent).

"We're shooting the ball horrendously," Mercer coach Bob Hoffman said. "Some of that has to do with (Florida State), but we haven't shot the ball well yet."

Both teams struggled to make 3-pointers, with the Seminoles making 4 of 16 (25 percent), and Mercer hitting 3 of 28 (10.7 percent).

Florida State outrebounded Mercer 48-37. The Seminoles also had 13 blocks.

Updated November 23, 2010