In what started as a dominant showing against the rival Miami Hurricanes at home, the Florida State Seminoles allowed Saturday’s contest to become far more competitive and interesting in the 2nd half. FSU would lead Miami by as much as 22 points on Saturday, but would also manage to allow the Hurricanes to come within three points in the final minute of the game. In the first half, Florida State held Miami to 5-29 shooting from the field and went into the break leading 36-16.
Despite the heavy choke-hold on the game at halftime, Florida State would come out in the second half and be outscored 43-29 in the second half. Finishing the contest with a much too close for comfort, 65-59 victory. Careless turnovers and lapses in defense continue to be a concern for the Seminoles, as they gave the ball away 17 times on Saturday and allowed Miami to shoot 50% from the field in the second half. They had a hard time containing Miami big man, Reggie Johnson, who would score 17 points. Miami also benefited from a few lucky bank shots heaved in desperation from the hands of Malcolm Grant late in the second half. Grant finished with 19 points on the day.
Fortunately for FSU, both Okaro White and Deividas Dulkys stepped up with big games today. Contributing 17 points a piece on the offensive end of the floor. The victory puts Florida State at 20-8 on the season and 10-4 in the ACC. Despite the record, the nature of wins would indicate that this team is still struggling to find consistency in both attitude and execution and this may be limit their potential in post season play. As of now, if the Seminoles were to make it into the NCAA tourny (which they probably will), their role would be much more one of spoiler than a team with any real expectations. FSU is still far too inconsistent and seems to severely lack focus in games when they gain a lead and tenacity when they play from behind. Perhaps the potential return of Chris Singleton in the ACC or NCAA tournament will give this team a much needed boost of energy at a critical time in the year.
Next up for the Seminoles is a home stand against the #19 North Carolina Tar Heels on Wednesday, March 2. The Seminoles suffered a 20 point loss to the Tar Heels earlier this season in Chapel Hill and will be taking a shot at them this time once again without Chris Singleton. Tip-off for Wednesday’s game is set for 7:00 p.m
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Seminoles hold of Hurricanes at home is a post from: The Spear
