FSU basketball vs Western Carolina: Preview, point spread, how to watch, game thread

After being the only high major in the nation to open their year with two straight road games, the Florida State Seminoles (1-1) now get to spend some time at home. First up are the Western Carolina Catamounts (2-1).

Head coach Mark Prosser (son of Skip), took over the middling program last year. He didn’t have a roster that fit his style, but he determined that it was better long term to implement his system rather than fit the guys. As a result (he didn’t really have a point guard), they led the nation in turnovers.

But, they get up and down the court and they shoot a ton of 3s. Mark is part of the cadre of young coaches who really understand the mathematical side of the game, and are changing how it’s played. Through three games this year they’ve taken over 51% of their shots from beyond the arc.

Western Carolina is a tiny team - their starters go 6-1, 6-1, 6-3, 6-5, -67 - and while they play fast, their tempo shouldn’t bother FSU. In fact, this will be the first team this season that will likely run with the ‘Noles.

Players to watch

Mason Faulkner sat out last year as a transfer from Northern Kentucky, and now he’s the key player on the roster. The 6-1 junior has hit 52% of his 3s while also doing a good job at getting to the line. In their last game he had a rare collegiate triple double.

Carlos Dotson is the big man (6-7, 260) and last season averaged a double-double. This year he’s currently at 15.3 ppg and 10 boards.

Most likely to upset the home fans

Kameron Gibson, a 6-3 sophomore takes 7 3s a game. So far he’s only shooting 29% but last year that number was over 41%. In other words, he’s due to break out.

Who will win

kenpom: FSU 97%

T-rank: FSU 94%

Vegas line

FSU -20

How to watch

7 PM, ACC Network Extra (Fox Sports affiliates, Watch ESPN)