FSU Basketball Preview: Noles Set to Face Xavier in Round of 32

FSU basketball set to take on tough Big East opponent Xavier in the Round of 32 in the second meeting between the programs.

Just before FSU Basketball punched their ticket to the Round of 32 against FGCU, another game took place in Orlando, Florida. It was a closely contested matchup between the Xavier Musketeers and Maryland Terrapins, which ultimately saw the team from the Big East take the win 76-65. And thus, the Seminoles had their next opponent.

The Musketeers started the season 18-6, but a six-game losing streak saw their resume take a major hit. They ended up winning three of their last four, only dropping a game against Creighton in their Big East semifinals.

Overall, they finished the year 21-13, and with a 11-seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Let’s get into their numbers a little closer.

The Last Time the ‘Noles Took the Court

Florida State and FGCU played an ugly but exciting game in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Many pundits called it the best game of the day, which admittedly may not be saying too much; the first day of tourney play lacked the usual suspense we expect this team of the year.

Behind 25 points from Dwayne Bacon and 17 from Jonathan Isaac, the Seminoles were able to take the win 86-80. Late game miscues — including missed free throws and dumb turnovers — made the final outcome closer than it had to be, but regardless, a win is a win. At this time of the year it doesn’t matter how you get them.

If you’d like a more detailed recap, here you are.

Opponent Preview

Xavier are a solid, but not overwhelming opponent. They rank 35th overall on KenPom, just behind Miami and Minnesota — two teams that Florida State handled this season. Their offense is 33rd most efficient in the country, while their defense is 68th. The Seminoles should have no problem putting up points tonight.

The Musketeers are a team that, much like FGCU, like to slow the game down. They are 245th in the country in possessions per game, at 70.2 per contest. Florida State have to get easy baskets off of turnovers if they want a chance to win; considering how poorly they shoot from deep and the free throw line, transition buckets become all the more important.

Florida State Seminoles Basketball

Furthermore, Xavier are an elite rebounding team. They are 12th in the country in rebounding percentage, grabbing 54.9 percent of available boards. They’re better on the defensive glass than they are on the offensive side, though, which is good. Maybe FSU won’t get a lot of second chances, but at least they won’t have to worry about Xavier getting many either.

Also comforting is the fact that Xavier shoot 34.2 percent from three and under 69 percent from the stripe. They like to do most of their damage inside, so Michael Ojo and Christ Kouamdje need to be factors defensively.

The main player to watch out for on the Seminoles opposition is Trevon Bluiett. The junior guard has great size at 6’6″, and is at his best getting near the rim. He leads their team in scoring at 18.2 points per game, and is second in rebounding at 5.7. FSU must force him into tough outside shots, as he’s just an okay three-point shooter at 37.2 percent.

Xavier’s best three-point shooter is J.P. Marcura; the junior guard shoots 38.5 percent from three. Not great, but still, should probably try not to leave him open.

Point Spread/How to Watch

Vegas likes the Seminoles in this matchup, as they are 5.5 point favorites according to Odds Shark. Part of that is due to the Musketeers losing their best player, point guard Edmond Sumner (awesome name), to a torn ACL earlier in the year. His loss directly coincided with that losing streak I mentioned earlier.

Next: 'Noles Best FGCU In Tourney Opener

To watch this game, tune into TNT at 6:10 pm ET. One win away from the Sweet 16! Let’s Go ‘Noles!