:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48402935/usa-today-7640163.0.jpg)
FSU almost let a bad team sneak away with a win on Saturday, but a minute and a half late in the game changed the Noles' fortunes. Now they get another team they should easily handle, only this time it will hopefully be played without broken baskets and long delays.
Charleston Southern (4-7) is a familiar opponent, as the two schools have faced off in four of the past five seasons. But the Buccaneers are a different team than the one FSU beat 58-47 last year. That team was led by 5-7 Saah Nimley. Now CSU has four new starters.
Point guard Armel Potter is averaging 13.9 per game. The 6-1 freshman is doing what a lot of freshman do, and that is score through volume rather than efficiency. He takes 30% of their shots when he's on the floor, but only makes 38% of his 2s and 33% of his 3s. He does do a good job of getting inside the defense, but he just doesn't have the size to finish.
Junior NC State transfer Patrick Wallace scores 13.0 a game, and he's the opposite of Potter as he is a very efficient player, and really only shoots 3s. Over 89% of his attempts have been 3s, and he's made 41% of them.
Another transfer - 6-3 junior Raemond Robinson from the Citadel - averages 9.4 per game, and has been in double figures in eight of the last nine.
Charleston Southern will look to stay in the game by taking quick 3s. To date, 49% of their shots have been 3s, and I would expect FSU to go small for much of the game. There are times that CSU won't have anyone taller than 6-4 on the court. The key will be containing Potter off the dribble and not allowing him to set up rhythm 3s for his team.
Their lack of size, of course, challenges their defense. And they indeed have one of the worst in the nation (333rd). They're also terrible at forcing turnovers, which is not ideal for a small team. If FSU executes, they should be able to score at a good clip.
The game tips at 2 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN3. Pomeroy has FSU by 23, meaning he thinks the Noles win this game 97% of the time.