FSU Basketball Game Preview: vs. Minnesota

Here is a preview for FSU basketball and their next game during the 2016-2017 season. 

Florida State men’s basketball suffered their first blemish of the season on Thursday, losing to the Temple Owls by the final score of 89-86. Still, things aren’t all bad in Tallahassee for FSU basketball.

For starters, they came right back on Friday and beat Illinois. That brought their record up to 5-1 for the year. Also, their two star players — Dwayne Bacon and Jonathon Issac — are living up to expectations. In a big way.

Bacon is averaging 18 points and three rebounds per contest, while shooting 52 percent from the field, and 48 percent from three. For a high volume shooter like Bacon, those percentages are impressive.

Meanwhile, freshman phenom Jonathon Issac has been every bit as good as advertised. He is scoring 15 points a game, to go along with six rebounds and a block. All while shooting 60 percent (!!!) from the field, and 50 percent from deep. That efficiency will almost certainly take a hit as competition improves, but regardless, what a start for the kid. Issac is currently projected to go 7th in the upcoming NBA Draft (via DraftExpress), so enjoy him while you can, ‘Nole fans.

Looking ahead, Florida State will try to break a long streak of losses in the ACC – Big Ten Challenge. Here’s a preview for today’s match-up against the undefeated Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Last Time the ‘Noles Took The Court

As previously mentioned, Florida State took down the Illinois Fighting Illini’ in the third place game of the NIT Season Tip-Off Tournament. The team FSU lost to — Temple — ended up winning the tournament by defeating West Virginia 81-77 in the final.

Despite the frustrating loss, the Seminoles are still in good shape. Beating a veteran-laden squad like Illinois (handily, at that) was an impressive bounce-back.

With about ten minutes left, FSU found itself in a similar situation as they were in against Temple. They were in a tight game, with the outcome very much in doubt. However, unlike the previous day’s match-up, the young Seminoles were able to dig deep and find a way to take control. And that was with star Dwayne Bacon on the bench, no less.

The defense tightened up, and young players like Trent Forrest and CJ Walker played like grizzled veterans. With Illinois’ best player Malcolm Hill in foul trouble, the Seminoles went from down two to up seven within minutes. And they never looked back.

The freshman trio of Issac, Forrest and Walker combined for 35 points. Bacon chipped in 17 of his own. Florida State was able to win 72-61.

Opponent Preview

The Minnesota Golden Gophers come to Tallahassee with a 6-0 record. However, they haven’t really faced anyone worth mentioning. Their opponents’ combined record sits at 17-19 overall. Because of that weak schedule, the Gophers are currently ranked 60th overall according to KenPom.

Although most consider this to be a rebuilding year for Richard Pitino’s Golden Gophers, that does not mean they lack talent. They are led by former stud recruit, freshman Amir Coffey. The 6’8″ shooting guard averages 16 points and three rebounds per game, and shoots an efficient 53 percent from the field. He only makes 32 percent of his three-point attempts though, so Florida State would be smart to force him into deep shots.

The Gophers most experienced player is junior point guard Nate Mason. He’s shooting poorly from the field thus far this season, only making 39 percent of his attempts from the field, but still averages 13 points, four rebounds and six assists per game. I expect Terrance Mann, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Trent Forrest to all take turns defending the 6’2″ guard.

It’s going to be a tough test for Florida State, but as it stands, they are currently favored by -8.5 points according to Odds Shark.

Interesting Fact

As for something interesting, this is the sixth time that Florida State and Minnesota face off in the ACC – Big Ten Challenge. The Golden Gophers have won three out of the previous five times the two teams played each other.

Another interesting fact I could find is that Florida State hasn’t won their ACC – Big Ten Challenge match-up since the 2007-2008 season. And by interesting, I meant mortifying. I mean seriously, how do you lose anything eight times in a row. I think it’s time FSU ends this horrific streak. This team is certainly talented enough to do it, and their opponent is more than beatable.

The game is at the Donald L. Tucker Center, and it tips off at 7 PM. Watch it on ESPNU. Go ‘Noles.