FSU Basketball 2019 NCAA Tournament 2nd Round Preview: vs. Murray State

Here’s a preview of FSU basketball and their upcoming game scheduled for play during the 2018-19 season.

For nearly 35 minutes of game action on Thursday afternoon, the FSU basketball team had their fans wondering if the Seminoles were going to be the first team in this year’s NCAA Tournament that forgot to play like one of the top ranked teams in the field and get sent back home after just one game.

Thankfully, the Noles woke up and remembered that they were a top 10 team entering the big dance (yet some how called No. 14 by the selection committee, but whatever) and ended up putting away their pesky mid-major foes in a game that showed both the good and bad of what Florida State is capable of.

Now, head coach Leonard Hamilton and his team get ready to face another mid-major team with dreams of a major upset – a team that might just have the best player in the country this season on their roster.

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Here’s our recap of the last game action and a preview of what’s ahead for the Seminoles.

Last Game Recap

Over 1,200 miles away from Tallahassee, the No. 4 seeded Seminoles took on a No. 13 seed Vermont Catamounts team who was essentially playing a home game in Hartford, CT and remembered to pack their three point shooting with them – jumping out to a nine point lead in the first half before the Noles retook the lead and the teams were tied at the half.

In the second half, FSU basketball – playing without an injured Phil Cofer, who sadly lost his father to an illness and found out after the game – were not able to put the game away despite having leads of five and eight points at various moments thanks to highlight plays from Mfiondi Kabengele, who had 21 points, and Terance Mann (19 points).

Ultimately, the Seminoles were able to overcome the 16 three pointers from Vermont with 31 points from the free throw line – including 24 in the second half – to get out of the first round with a 76-69 victory.

Opponent Preview

After getting rid of one double-digit seed in Hartford, the Noles will face another one as they take on a Murray State Racers team who looked like they belong in the deep rounds of the tournament with a dominating first round performance led by their star player.

After entering the tournament with a 27-4 record and an Ohio Valley Conference title, the Racers came into battle with their best player being Ja Morant – and he showed why he is that as the sophomore guard had a triple double in the game (17 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds), just the second time he has done so this season.

No. 12 seed Murray State took a seven-point lead at the break and turned it into a nearly 20 point blowout over No. 5 seed Marquette to become the lowest seeded team to get a victory on Thursday and advance to the second round.

Interesting Fact

Saturday’s game will just be the third time in FSU basketball history that the Seminoles have faced back to back double digit seeded teams in the NCAA tournament – and each outcome has ended with mixed results while taking place in the same city.

Must Read. 3 reasons Seminoles can make it to 2019 Final Four. light

In the 1993 tournament, the No. 3 seeded Seminoles defeated No. 14 Evansville and No. 11 Tulane in Orlando to advance to the Sweet 16. During the 2017 tournament – played in a new arena across the street – the No. 3 Noles sneaked past No. 14 Florida Gulf Coast before getting blown out by No. 11 Xavier.

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