FSU Basketball: Fans react to Murray State’s Ja Morant triple-double
By Kelvin Hunt
FSU basketball survived its first round game against Vermont and will face one of the best players in the country in Murray State’s Ja Morant.
FSU basketball (28-7) set a new program record for wins with its NCAA Tournament first round victory over a pesky Vermont team.
The Noles used their size and defense to pull away late. However, that defense will be put to the test Saturday when they take on No. 12 seed Murray State’s Ja Morant.
Morant led Murray State to the annual 12 seed beating five seeded Marquette Friday afternoon with an impressive triple double performance.
It was the first triple-double in the NCAA Tournament since 2012 with Morant scoring 17 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds with Murray State blowing the doors of Marquette 83-64.
FSU basketball is one of the better defensive teams in the nation with outstanding size and length. They force over seven steals and four blocks per game, but the Noles will be tested by Morant who’ll likely be a top 5 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft.
Fan Reaction
The FSU game was amazing, seeing our guys fight and fight and pull away with the W.
— Jake Del Mauro (@delmauro_jake) March 21, 2019
Having said that, I’ll never forget watching Ja Morant put a triple-double up with ease. Amazing
Ja Morant and Murray St against #FSU on Saturday is going to be GOODT! #MarchMadness
— Steven Anthony (@scanthony14) March 21, 2019
Ja Morant impressive against an over-seeded Marquette team but looking forward to what he can do against FSU and all of their size. Will be a good test #MarchMadness
— Joe P (@JoePand3Boxers) March 21, 2019
Ja morant v FSU is gonna be must watch. See how he handles all their length and athleticism
— Andrew Beckner (@afrost32) March 21, 2019
Ja Morant with the first NCAA triple-double since Draymond Green. Curious if Murray can play at this gear vs. FSU’s length and depth.
— Travis Haney (@travhaney) March 21, 2019
When FSU coach goes up to his PG and says you gunna guard Ja Morant pic.twitter.com/0buMr271GY
— Hog9934 (@Hogcrazy99) March 21, 2019
Thoughts
It’s definitely going to be much watch TV, but the good news for FSU is they have already played against the likes of R.J. Barrett and Zion Williamson twice this season.
They also faced a dynamic point guard in UNC’s Coby White a few weeks ago. Morant averages 24 points and 10 assists per game, but it’s not like he’s faced great competition all season in the Ohio Valley Conference.
The Racers have four losses on the season to the likes of Alabama, Auburn, Belmont and Jacksonville State. Morant was at or near his season averages in those games, including a 38 point outburst against Alabama in a losing effort.
It’ll be fine if Morant goes off, the key for FSU will be efficiency on the offensive end. They can’t afford to shoot 38 percent again in the NCAA Tournament and expect to win consistently.
FSU Basketball Road To The NCAA Final Four. dark. Next
Murray State is just five spots behind FSU basketball nationally in field goal percentage allowed at 41 percent.