FSU basketball’s position in latest NCAA Tournament projections

Despite the Seminoles’ ups and downs during their basketball season, this team’s resiliency is one thing that has remained constant. This quality was evident more than ever on Wednesday night, when FSU erased an 18-point deficit to defeat No. 11 Clemson 81-79 in overtime at home.

While the victory was undoubtedly important, and may have saved Florida State’s NCAA Tournament hopes, analysts aren't ready to move the team’s tournament position higher just yet.

In the latest edition of Joe Lunardi’s bracketology, the ’Noles still remain a 9-seed in the Midwest region. Projected to play against Kentucky on Monday, who has been trending downward as of late with a four-game losing streak, FSU is now matched up against Arizona State in the first round. A victory in that game would likely mean facing 1-seed Xavier next, which was responsible for sending the Seminoles home early in last year’s tournament.

TeamRankings.com has Florida State as an 8-seed, with a 79.4% chance of making the tournament — up from 69.7% yesterday. However, an early exit may be in store for the ’Noles according to the site, which only gives the Garnet & Gold a 45.9% chance of making the Round of 32, and a slimmer 17.3% chance of making the Sweet 16.

FSU has moved down two spots from Monday to a 9-seed on BracketMatrix.com, where it is included in 102 of 105 brackets consulted. Going forward, the Seminoles will look to continue building momentum when they face Pitt on Sunday in Tallahassee.