Florida State gets rematch with Clemson

Three weeks ago these teams played and it was the most dominating Florida State win in their nearly 25-year ACC history. Unfortunately, for the rematch, the score is reset to 0-0.

The ‘Noles had a collective out-of-body shooting experience in game one, knocking down 17-30 3s, to go along with 75% of their 2s and 83% of FTs. Combine that with Clemson turning it over on 30% of their possessions, and you have a lopsided 48-point victory.

FSU’s shooting from that game isn’t repeatable, but the gameplan might be. Florida State will attempt to force tempo, and to dominate in the paint. On defense, they’ll pressure the ball and passing lanes in an attempt to create live ball turnovers. Clemson always wants to defend without fouling, and they’ll gamble on defense for turnovers.

Clemson (14-13, 4-11) has played a brutal schedule (3rd toughest in the nation), which is why they’re still considered to be on the NCAA tournament bubble. The have a manageable schedule, finishing with three straight home games against Florida State, NC State, and Boston College. Sweep those, and they’ll probably be dancing.

The Seminoles are playing for seeding. They probably need a minimum of two wins between the regular season and the ACC tournament to guarantee a trip to Orlando as a top-4 seed in the NCAAT.

The game tips at noon and will be broadcast on Watch ESPN and on the ACC Digital Network. The line in Vegas opened as a pick ‘em.