NCAA Tournament: Takeaways from ‘Noles win over UNC-Greensboro

No. 4 seed FSU basketball didn’t play a great game in their first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against No. 13 seed UNC-Greensboro.

Most oddsmakers had the betting spread and,-10.5 and the Noles narrowly missed covering with the 10-point win.

I think anytime Scottie Barnes and M.J. Walker combine for eight points, and FSU nearly covers the spread, it’s a good day.

Not to mention the Noles didn’t make one three-point shot all day and missed six free-throws. I know some FSU fans are not confident with how the game went even though they got the victory.

I understand that sentiment, but every game different, and it’s all about the matchup. Here are some key takeaways from the game:

• Balsa Koprivica and RaiQuan Gray are their best players
• FSU played well defensively
• It may be time to sit M.J. Walker
• Shot selection was awful despite shooting over 50 percent
• 15 turnovers

Balsa Koprivica has played well in the latter part of the season. RaiQuan Gray, Scottie Barnes, and M.J. Walker were the three players mentioned who needed to step up their games in the NCAA Tournament. Gray was up for the challenge and teamed up with Koprivica to seal the win for the Noles late. Leonard Hamilton needs to have the ball more in Grays’ hands as opposed to Barnes or Walker, who turn the ball over too much.

FSU held UNC-Greensboro to 31.7 percent from the floor and 25 percent from the three-point line. FSU knew the Spartans struggled offensively when forced to take jump shots, and that’s what they made them do.

M.J. Walker has battled injuries this season but has been a shell of himself in the last few games. He’s become a liability on both ends of the floor, and it’s probably time to sit or play him fewer minutes.

I have no idea why the Noles settled for so many jump shots. They couldn’t stop them inside due to their size advantage. They need to use a higher basketball IQ against Colorado, or they’ll be watching the Sweet 16 from the house.

The Noles had 15 turnovers against the Spartans, which is entirely too many when playing against that level of competition.

Parting Thoughts

FSU’s struggles a lot offensively because they don’t have a pure point guard. I haven’t watched any Colorado games, but I’d like to see more Gray and Koprivica on offense. Defensively, I liked the energy from the Noles, they played the percentages, and it worked out in their favor.

However, I know Colorado is a better shooting team than UNC-Greensboro. Here’s to hoping the Noles can put a game plan together to advance to the Sweet 16.