FSU vs Northeastern preview

FSU started the season against a very athletic, pressing team, which thrives on helter skelter games. In game two the Noles now face pretty much the exact opposite style.

Northeastern isn't the most athletic team, and they aren't going to pressure you into making a ton of mistakes, but they're competent in their system and have tons of experience, with no scholarship seniors on last year's roster. They not only returned their entire starting five from last year, but also got back their most versatile athlete who missed the majority of last season.

There is zero reason for the Noles to take this team lightly. All they have to do is review last year's film when these two met, with Florida State needing a Devon Bookert falling out of bounds floater at the buzzer to win 62-60 in Puerto Rico.

The Huskies have one player who can give FSU fits. 6-8 senior Scott Eatherton is their man in the middle, who is the main reason why Northeastern is the overwhelming favorite in Colonial Athletic Association. The conference defensive player of the year averaged 15.9 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. He lit up FSU for 21 points and 15 rebounds. He's tough to guard because he spends a lot of time on the perimeter, and he made 44% of his 3s last year. On the interior, he has a thousand post moves. Luckily, Florida State matches up better this season due to Kiel Turpin's availability.

Northeastern runs mostly compact offensive sets, with lots of high-low post action. They crowd things in so that screens can come from any angle. Their post players know how to maneuver in traffic, and they have guards that can penetrate, mostly looking to kick to the corner when they do.

Junior David Walker is most likely 3-point threat. He only shot 32% last year, but made 38% as a freshman, and in his first game this year made 6-10 vs BU.

Quincy Ford missed most of last year with a back injury. At 6-8, he is Northeastern's version of Montay Brandon. He's big, athletic, and spends most of his time on the perimeter.

The player to watch coming off the bench is 6-4 freshman Devon Begley. Not only is his Mohawk game very strong, but he gives them a high major athlete who showed good poise and vision in his debut.

Northeastern will try to take the air out of the ball and keep this game in the 50s or 60s. Last year the Noles were able to get good looks against the defense, but it was one of those games where nothing went down. With a couple of nice runs FSU could take control of the game, but if the game stays close it will be trouble. There just won't be very many possessions to stretch things out.

The game tips at 7pm from Tuck and will be broadcast on ESPN3. FSU is an 11-point favorite in Vegas and Pomeroy has the Noles by 9. Xavier Rathan-Mayes will make his long awaited Seminole debut.