FSU Basketball Preview: Noles Opens ACC Tournament Against Virginia Tech

FSU basketball’s ACC tournament begins today, with a matchup against an explosive Virginia Tech Hokies team, who defeated Wake Forest to advance past the second round.

After a nice four day layoff, FSU basketball finally returns to action tonight. They will face the Virginia Tech Hokies, who are fresh off defeating the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 99-90 on Wednesday.

Today’s game marks the second meeting between Florida State and Virginia Tech, the first since Jan. 7. The Seminoles handled the Hokies from the friendly confines of Tallahassee, 93-78 behind 22 points from Terrence Mann.

It should be noted that Virginia Tech were without the services of Seth Allen that night, as he sat out due to an ankle injury. Allen is the ACC Sixth Man of the Year, by the way. So it’s likely a different game with his participation.

The Hokies finished the year the 42nd team overall according to KenPom. They boast the 19th offense, and 129th defense. Meanwhile, the team they defeated — Wake Forest — is actually the 31st-best team in the country, with the seventh-rated offense. (So thanks for taking them out for us, Hokies.)

It should be a fun, up-and-down game between the two programs, so let’s get to previewing.

Last Time the ‘Noles Took the Court

The Seminoles completed the season sweep of the Miami Hurricanes on Saturday. It was a grueling outing, as both teams defended their tails off. Ultimately, FSU’s superior offense was able to eek out enough buckets for the win.

Dwayne Bacon led his team in scoring, with 23 points on 8-for-17 shooting. Jarquez Smith, on his senior day, got the start and also performed admirably. He finished the game with 11 points, five rebounds, and one beautiful wraparound assist to Mann late in the contest.

The win was all the more impressive because to open conference tournament play, the Hurricanes defeated Syracuse, 62-57. That’s a very solid team the Seminoles were able to take down twice.

Opponent Preview

The Hokies of Virginia Tech are 22-9 on the season, 10-8 in conference play. Joe Lunardi has the pegged as no. 8 seed in the NCAA Tournament. They’re 6-2 over their last eight games, with wins over Miami, Virginia and Clemson.

As previously stated, they’re allergic to defense, allowing an average 73.9 points per game (224th in the country). Their offense, however, is high-powered enough to mask their defensive deficiencies.

They have five players averaging double digits, including the aforementioned Allen, who’s at 13.1 points per game, along with 2.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists. Senior forward Zach Delay leads their team in scoring, with 15.6 points per game, on a healthy 55.2 percent shooting. He’s also securing 7.1 rebounds nightly, as well as block a shot a contest.

As a team, the Hokies shoot 49.2 percent from the field and 40.5 percent from three, which is worrisome. (Allen is converting 46.5 percent of his threes, so the Seminoles might wanna keep an eye on him.)

If the Seminoles can keep VT’s offense in check (easier said than done), they should be able to win comfortably. FSU won’t have a problem scoring on their sieve of a defense. Unless they are cold from deep (which wouldn’t be all that surprising) or if they struggle from the free-throw line (also not too farfetched).

Let’s just hope we get the good Florida State tomorrow! Not the version that crumbles away from Tallahassee.

Point Spread/How to Watch

No point spread yet, but based on history, expect Florida State to be minimally favored, if at all. Vegas knows about their struggles away from home, and shutting down VT’s offense won’t be easy.

To watch, just tune into ESPN at 7 pm ET. Have some popcorn ready, it’ll be a game with some anxiety-inducing moments, for sure. Go ‘Noles!