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FSU basketball: Hot shooting Noles upset Louisville on the road

By Kelvin Hunt

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: M.J. Walker #23 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after making a three pointer 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: M.J. Walker #23 of the Florida State Seminoles reacts after making a three pointer 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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No. 18 FSU basketball upset the No. 7 Louisville Cardinals Saturday afternoon 78-65 as they had arguably their best offensive game of the season.

1st Half

It was all about FSU’s offensive efficiency as they shot 55.2 percent in the first half. They were 7-16 from three-point land but didn’t shoot a single free throw.

FSU’s defense held Louisville to 27.8 percent shooting, but the Cardinals were 8-9 from the free throw and dominated the Noles on the boards. Louisville had 12 offensive rebounds compared to just four for the Noles. Jordan Nwora was almost all of the offense for the Cardinals as he succeeded his season average with 21 first half. He was 4-5 from three-point range and 6-9 overall from the floor. MJ Walker led the Noles in the first half with 15 points as he was 3-5 from beyond the arc.

The Noles led 39-32 at the half.

2nd Half

The second half saw more of the same with FSU continuing to shoot the ball well. However, Louisville did make a couple of runs to cut the lead to five before the Noles opened up a double-digit lead 69-59 with 4:10 remaining in the game.  They were led by Walker and Trent Forrest who finished with 20 points on 9-11 shooting. Walker finished with 23 respectively. Louisville was led by Jordan Nwora’s 30 points as he had a much more quiet second half.

Thoughts

FSU did none of the three things I mentioned they needed to do to win this game. They were crushed on the offensive boards and Nwora exceeded his seasonal average in the first half.

FSU only shot five free throws the entire game and won by 13 points. They did play well defensively overall, holding Louisville to 38.7 percent shooting from the floor and forced 16 turnovers.

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However, it was all about their offensive out put. They can beat anyone in the country when they shoot 55 percent from the floor and make 11-23 from three-point land. This was a great road win for the Noles and they move to 13-2 on the season and 3-1 in ACC play.

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