Chop Chat
Fansided

FSU Womens Basketball Continues Tournament Run Against Missouri

By Jason Parker

Feb 26, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Shakayla Thomas (20) shoots in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Florida State Seminoles forward Shakayla Thomas (20) shoots in the first half against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

FSU women’s basketball made quick work of their 2017 NCAA Tournament opener – now, the Lady ‘Noles turn their attention to Missouri Sunday night.

After the first quarter of action Friday night in the opener of their 2017 NCAA Tournament appearance, the FSU women’s basketball team found themselves being challenge by a feisty group of Leathernecks from Western Illinois University. For the final three quarters, the Lady ‘Noles reminded everyone who they were and coasted to a first round victory.

Now, head coach Sue Semrau’s team will take the court for the final time this season inside the Tucker Center, as No 3 seeded FSU looks to advance to the Sweet 16 with a win over No. 6 seeded Missouri. Let’s take a look at what is in store Sunday night in this second round matchup.

Last Game Recap

The No. 14 seeded Leathernecks came into the Sunshine State determined to play spoiler against the host Lady ‘Noles. Early on, it looked like they may have a shot as WIU jumped out to a seven point lead after the first quarter.

Quickly, though, Florida State woke up and played like the team that had been a top 10 group for much of the season. Shakayla Thomas, the reigning ACC Player of the Year, dropped 23 points in the game while the Lady ‘Noles shot nearly 51 percent from the field and out rebounded WIU 54 to 23 to coast to the 87-66 win.

Florida State Seminoles Basketball
Florida State Seminoles Basketball /

Florida State Seminoles Basketball

Opponent Preview

For the No. 6 seeded Tigers out of the SEC, it was a much closer battle in their tournament opener against South Florida. With the game tied at 64 with seconds left to play, Sierra Michaelis score two of her 16 points on the night, hitting the game winning basket with 0.6 left on the clock for the two point win.

Mizzou finished the regular season fourth place in the SEC, thanks to 10 wins over the final 12 games. However, they weren’t long for the conference tournament, being upset by Texas A&M in their first game. The Tigers have played just one ACC team this season, dropping a two point decision to Georgia Tech early in the year.

If FSU wins…

The Seminoles would head to their third straight Sweet 16 and the fifth one in program history. It would be a cross country trip for Florida State, who would play either No.2 seeded Oregon State or No. 7 seeded Creighton on either Friday or Saturday.