Let the Madness begin... and hopefully not end instantly
Melina Myers-Imagn Images
The 14th seed Syracuse Orange (13-18, 7-13) open up ACC Tournament play against the 11th seed, the Florida State Seminoles (17-14, 8-12). Tip off is at 7:00 pm tonight on The ACC Network and here’s what we’re watching for:
Kevin: Limit turnovers and fouls
The first meeting was close until the final 12 minutes when Florida State pushed a four-point lead to eleven thanks to sloppy play from the Orange. Syracuse committed 14 turnovers, helping the Seminoles to a 13-0 fast break advantage. They also sent Florida State to the line for 31 attempts. This is a Florida State team that doesn’t shoot well, so you have to force them to beat you in the half-court game and not make it easy for them.
Max: Beware of the shot blockers
While both teams tend to struggle offensively, Florida State holds a significant advantage on the defensive end, specifically when it comes to blocked shots. The Seminoles average 4.8 rejections per game, the highest rate of any team in the ACC and T-24 in the country. FSU blocked six shots compared to Syracuse’s one in the prior matchup, so the Orange need to create more open looks for a chance to move on.
Mike: Lean on Eddie
While this isn’t what ‘Cuse had in mind when getting Eddie Lampkin for his postseason experience, it comes into play here, nonetheless. It’s “win or go home” from this point out and for Lampkin and four others, it’s a pretty permanent case of “go home.” Take his 25 & 10 performance on Senior Day, and past comments about going on a run, to fuel the soon-to-be-graduates into extending their college careers day by day.
Szuba: Defense and Jamir Watkins
Jamir Watkins is one of the best scorers in the ACC. That’s a defensive assignment Lucas Taylor will likely draw with Kyle Cuffe backing him up. Syracuse has been better on that end of late; will it transfer to ACC Tournament play? With Florida State being a poor shooting team we might see some zone out of Syracuse in spots. The ‘Noles don’t rebound well for a team of its size. How effective (and connected) Syracuse is on that might determine the outcome of this matchup.
