FSU Basketball Recap: Noles Top Minnesota in ACC-Big Ten Challenge

The FSU basketball team defeated the Minnesota Golden Gophers 75-67 in what was a sloppy mess of a game. 

Finally. After eight consecutive losses in the ACC – Big Ten Challenge, the Seminoles finally came out on top. It may have been the most ugliest game of the season (the first half surely was), but a win is a win. FSU basketball is now 6-1 for the year, which is their best start since 2010.

The first half of the game was the most unpleasant 30 minutes of basketball imaginable. Minnesota missed nine of their last 10 shots, yet still led by three at the break. The two teams combined for 19 turnovers and 28 fouls. The officials whistled every bit of contact, no matter how small. And neither team could find a rhythm.

The second half was a different story. The refs loosened up a bit, which allowed both teams to settle in and play. This favored Florida State, as they were able to attack the basket in the half-court and in transition. The Seminoles made 11 of their first 17 shots after the break, and their lead grew to double digits.

Putting the game out of reach was a team effort. Dwayne Bacon, Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Michael Ojo (?!) all took turns scoring early in the second half, when the game still hung in the balance. And unlike the Temple game, Florida State did not let up once their lead ballooned to 18. The Seminoles were able to fend off a late run made by the Gophers, and won comfortably by eight.

The loose whistle displayed by the refs hurt both teams, but it definitely hurt Minnesota more. They’re a team that lacks depth, as they prefer to go seven or eight deep at most. The Gophers couldn’t afford to have their starters get into foul trouble. Especially not their freshman stud Amir Coffey, who was whistled for his fourth foul with a whole 16 minutes left in the game. Once he went out, Minnesota struggled to pose much of a threat.

For the game, the Seminoles held the Gophers to 32 percent shooting. They also forced 17 turnovers, and out-rebounded their opponent 41 to 35. Point guard Nate Mason led the way for Minnesota with 11 points and three assists. The aforementioned Coffey was held to seven points on 3-of-10 shooting in 18 minutes. Great job by Florida State’s defense all around.

Solid win for the Seminoles. Let’s take a look at who stood out tonight.