FSU basketball: Noles look to find winning formula against NC State

FSU basketball returns to action after a long layoff.

FSU basketball (5-2, 1-1 ACC) hasn’t played a game since losing to Clemson 77-67 on December 29.

The team has been dealing with COVID-19 with games postponed against Duke, Syracuse, and Pittsburgh.

NC State (6-3, 2-2 ACC) is coming off back-to-back losses, including a 64-59 loss against Miami in their last outing on Sunday.

Four of their six wins have come against Charleston Southern, North Florida, UMASS Lowell, and Campbell. Their two ACC wins came against UNC and Boston College.

FSU was predicted to finish fourth in the ACC preseason, with NC State predicted to finish 10th.

ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives NC State a 51.3 percent of winning the game on FSU’s home court.

This game was thought to be one FSU basketball would win easily a few weeks ago. However, the ‘Noles play as of late has left a lot to be desired with the team not having much chemistry on offense.

Their reliance on the three-point shot has been something I’ve pointed out the past few games, and hopefully, we’ll see an adjustment from Leonard Hamilton Wednesday night with more dribble penetration from M.J. Walker or Scottie Barnes.

Defensively, the Noles have struggled with switching and have been getting worked on the offensive glass.

NC State brings a trio of players that average double-digits, led by guard Devon Daniels at 15.9 ppg. The Wolfpack also features two forwards in DJ Funderburk and Jericole Hellems, with the former being the most effective around the rim.

Keys to FSU Victory

One of the issues offensively is shot selection for the Noles. They settle for too many jump shots, and I’d like to see them attack the rim more. I’d like to see the offense go through Walker, Barnes, or Anthony Polite, who’s been shooting the ball well all season.

Turnovers have been an issue the last few games, and they need to limit NC State to one shot per possession on offense. FSU needs to ramp up its defensive intensity because NC State struggles at the free-throw line. So make them earn it if they penetrate the paint.

I have no idea what to expect from the Noles after being out of action for so long. Here’s to hoping they were able to figure something out and get back on track. The game will air on the ACC Network at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.