FSU vs. Colorado: Preview and how to watch

There aren’t many flaws in Colorado’s game. A quick glance through their statistics on KenPom will show you that they don’t turn the ball over, they shoot the ball well and are the second-best team in free throw percentage. In other words, they do not beat themselves.

That same statement does not apply to the Florida State Seminoles. While their ceiling may be as high as anyone not named Gonzaga, they struggle putting the little details together. Things such as turnovers and lack of defensive focus for an entire 40 minutes have exposed some major flaws in the ‘Noles’ game and as of now, they seem to be skating on some thin ice.

Colorado’s game will look very familiar to FSU fans. Although from different coaching trees their head coach, Tad Boyle, has built his team in a similar vein to that of Tony Bennett, the head coach of the Virginia Cavaliers. Both teams play a conservative packline style defense that tries to slow down the game and force contested shots and they both run a motion offense that emphasizes off-ball action.

That offense is led by point guard McKinley Wright who is a 3-time member of the first team all PAC-12. His play is a microcosm of his team. He does everything well. He has a 57% true shooting percentage, and one of the best assist rates in the country. He is surrounded by excellent shooting in Jabari Walker, Jeriah Horne, and D’Shawn Shwartz who take advantage of Wrights's ability to distribute the ball.

This is a good Colorado team but not exactly the worst matchup for the Seminoles. FSU’s denial defense makes motion offense difficult to run and their size can really breakdown packline principles. Colorado won’t force FSU to make mistakes and if the ‘Noles can speed up the tempo of the game and get Colorado on their heels early they have a shot to run away with the game. However, if Colorado can slow down the aggressive Seminoles then this might be the end of the line for the Garnet and Gold.

This is going to be a tough game for the ‘Noles and if you want to dive a bit deeper into Colorado basketball and what they do well then check out this video scouting report that dives into their motion offense and packline defense.

HOW TO WATCH

When

Monday, March 21, 7:45 pm

Watch

TBS

Stream

ESPN, YoutubeTV, March Madness Live app, Sling, FuboTV

Listen

‘Nole Radio Network

Game Coverage