FSU basketball at Notre Dame: Preview, how-to-watch, Vegas line, game thread

We’re only twenty games into the FSU schedule, but due to Covid this is already the end of the regular season. The last chance to make a statement comes against Notre Dame (9-14, 6-11) which is a team that traditionally plays FSU close. The ‘Noles need a win to guarantee their 2nd straight regular season title.

This year’s Notre Dame team has plenty of talent (5 blue chips) and are one of the most experienced teams in the nation, but they haven’t been able to put it all together. They had it rolling for a bit, winning six of eight in conference play, but have now lost four straight.

Like FSU’s last opponent (BC) this is a team that lives and dies by the 3-ball. Over 43% of their attempts come from deep. Because they can spread defenses out, they end up getting a lot of shots at the rim as well, and lead the ACC in 2-pt%. They’re also No. 1 at taking care of the ball.

Junior Prentiss Hubb (6-3, 175) takes over seven 3s a game, and knocks them down at a 34% clip. His volume leads to a team best 14.3 ppg.

Fellow junior Nate Laszewski (6-10, 227) has been much more efficient on his way to 13.9 ppg. He’s made 47% of his 3s and leads the conference in 2-pt% at 70%.

Junior Dane Goodwin (6-6, 200) scores 12.1 per game, and hits 35% from deep.

23-year-old Juwan Durham (6-11, 231) gives them a key low post presence, and scores 10.6 per game.

Overall, their offense is 4th in the ACC. Their problem is on defense, where they rank 12th. The only thing they do well is not fouling. They’re last forcing turnovers, and will have to hit a bunch of 3s to keep up with FSU’s league leading offense.

The game tips at noon and will be broadcast on ESPN2. FSU is a 6.5 point favorite.