Previous Meeting: The first meeting between these in-state-rivals came on the first day of February where the Seminoles upset the #23 Miami Hurricanes. Down 36-25 in the second half, the Noles found a way to hold Miami to just 18 points and win by a score of 55-54. FSU was led by Montay Brandon who went 7-of-7 shooting and led all scorers with 18 points. A key to the Seminoles' win was the ability to drive the lane, work the ball inside to the big men, and to make shots (53.7%) from the field. After the win against Miami, the Noles improved to 7-0 against in state teams.
What's at Stake: Miami, who is currently on the bubble of the prestigious NCAA Tournament, will need to be victorious against the Seminoles Wednesday if they want to return to the tournament. The last time the Hurricanes were invited to the dance in 2013, they were ousted in the Sweet Sixteen by Marquette.
Florida State on the other hand will be NIT bound unless they find a way to get hot starting with Miami. If the Noles could possibly win the three ACC games left: at Miami, #12 Louisville, and Pittsburgh that would bring the Seminoles to a 18-13 (10-8) record and would set up nicely for a good ACC seeding in the upcoming conference tournament.
Analysis: For the Seminoles to defeat this tough Miami team again, a few things will need to happen in favor of FSU. Last meeting Miami went 8-24 (33%) from the 3 point line, with all players willing to take shots, FSU will need to play good perimeter defense and not allow the ball to get inside. Also, I cannot stress this enough, do not turn the ball over! FSU is 328th and averages 14.9 turnovers a game, which are mostly mental mistakes, Miami is 17th with only 10 per game. Also, FSU is not a good free throw shooting team, only shooting 66% as a team which by all means is not good.
Miami should be favored in this game and could very well go on to become a tournament team, but the Noles should provide a great Wednesday night basketball game.
Only a few more days until March and we all know by now that March is truly Madness.
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Picture credit FSU Men's Basketball
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