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FSU Basketball Weekly Preview: January 8th-14th

By Jason Parker

MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 07: Braian Angola #11 of the Florida State Seminoles drives to the basket while being defended by Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the game at The Watsco Center on January 7, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JANUARY 07: Braian Angola #11 of the Florida State Seminoles drives to the basket while being defended by Lonnie Walker IV #4 of the Miami Hurricanes during the first half of the game at The Watsco Center on January 7, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Here’s a preview of FSU basketball and their upcoming week of games scheduled for play during the 2017-18 basketball season.

For the FSU basketball team, this past week was all about being a make or break part of the season. Facing two more ranked foes, the Seminoles could not lose both games if they wanted to improve their resume for a second straight trip to the NCAA Tournament. After the dust was settled, the Noles did just that.

Now, after splitting games against North Carolina and Miami, Florida State continues their ACC slate with two games this week against teams who might not have a number by their name, but both could easily make things interesting in the conference for the rest of the season – including either helping FSU basketball pad that resume or go further in hurting it heading into the meat of the conference schedule.

Here’s our recap of last week’s action and a preview of this week’s games for the Seminoles.

Last Week Recap

In the first half of their game on Wednesday against North Carolina, the Seminoles could do no wrong as they hit nine three point baskets and ended up with an 11 point lead at the break. The second half was a different story as the Tar Heels’ Joel Barry score 21 of his 28 points in the final 20 minutes, making things interesting as the Noles overcame late free throw woes and tightened up on defense to escape with an 81-80 win over the No. 12 team.

Sunday night, the Seminoles found themselves getting punched in the mouth early for the first time all season, trailing by 13 at the break to rival Miami behind 33 percent shooting from the field. FSU basketball would cut the deficit to within five late in the second half, but could complete the comeback and lost 80-74 – the first time Miami has beaten the Seminoles in football and basketball in the same season since 2004-05.

Opponent Preview

The Noles will return home on Wednesday night for a 9 p.m. tipoff against the Louisville Cardinals. At 11-4 on the season, the men in red have dropped two of their last three games, including a blowout loss to rival Kentucky and an overtime setback this past weekend against Clemson.

On Saturday, FSU basketball welcomes the Syracuse Orange to town for 2 p.m. tipoff inside the Tucker Center. Head coach Jim Boeheim has his team at 12-4, but they have lost their last two games to Wake Forest and Notre Dame while facing Virginia this Wednesday.

Next: How FSU-Miami became crucial for ACC basketball

Interesting Fact

FSU basketball will be looking to continue their winning ways against both the Cardinals and Orange inside the Tucker Center. The Seminoles held on for a five point win against Louisville last season when both teams were ranked in the top 12 while the Noles also won by five points in the regular season finale of the 2015-16 season against the Orange.

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