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FSU Basketball: 3 takeaways from Noles win over Clemson

By Kelvin Hunt

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: Mfiondu Kabengele #25 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center on January 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: Mfiondu Kabengele #25 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Watsco Center on January 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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FSU basketball took out Clemson for the second time this season and continue their climb up the ACC rankings.

1st Half

No. 16 FSU basketball (21-5, 9-4 ACC) made quick work of Clemson as they downed the Tigers 77-64. It was their second win over Clemson and their school record eighth consecutive win in conference play.

It was a two point game with just over five minutes to go in the first half, but the Noles went on a 15-2 run to close the half and lead 38-23.

FSU basketball shot 48 percent from the floor, and dominated Clemson on the boards while playing solid defense. Clemson was held to 30 percent shooting and were just three of 12 shooting beyond the arc.

Mfiondu Kabengele led all scorers at the half with 12 points and seven rebounds.

The second half saw the Noles stretch the lead out to 18 points before Clemson went on a run along with foul disparity from the refs. Clemson never got closer than seven points as FSU closed them out down the stretch.

Mfiondu Kabengele led FSU basketball with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Christ Koumadje nearly had his third double-double in a row with 10 point and seven rebounds. Trent Forrest had a strong game with 14 points and eight rebounds.

Three Takaways

  • FSU Shoots Well They Win-It’s as pretty simple as that and we’ve been saying it all season. If FSU shoots near 50 percent from the floor and makes seven or more three-pointers they are going to beat most teams because of their ability to play good to great defense. They shot 48 percent against Clemson and made seven three-pointers.
  • Noles Crashed The Boards-FSU was +11 on the rebounds against Clemson. Controlling the boards allows FSU to get out in transition and limits Clemson’s offensive possessions. Teams that rebound well usually find ways to win.
  • Turnovers-Noles only had 12 turnovers in the game which is under their season average. They’ve been doing a much better job in conference play in limiting turnovers compared the 15+ average they had in the non-conference part of the schedule.

Final Thoughts

Another solid win by double digits in ACC play on the road no less. FSU basketball will face its biggest challenge left on the schedule when they travel Saturday to take on No. 8 UNC.

FSU should be a lock to make the NCAA Tournament now and have a shot at that top four seed in the ACC Tournament.

FSU Basketball Make A Deep Tournament Run?. dark. Next

If this team can avoid letdowns in the last few games of the season, they are playing well enough to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.

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