FSU basketball: Key takeaways from Noles victory over Colorado

No. 4 seed FSU basketball started the game against No. 5 seed Colorado turning the ball over and without any rhythm on offense.

However, it was the Noles’ defense that carried them to victory over the Buffaloes until their offense found itself late in the game.

I won’t waste your time, so let’s get right into our key takeaways from the game:

• FSU’s defense was excellent
• Anthony Polite had a magnificent game
• FSU won a tight game with Balsa Koprivica playing 11 minutes
• The offense works better with the ball in RaiQuan Gray’s hands
• Malik Osborne had a strong game off the bench

FSU has played two strong defensive games in the NCAA Tournament. The Noles held Colorado well below their seasonal averages in field goal percentage, three-point percentage, and turnovers. They also had turned several turnovers into points on transitional baskets or got to the free-throw line, where they shot 81 percent.

Anthony Polite was the FSU offense at times, and he was 8 of 12 and made 4 of 7 from the three-point range. He was a dog on defense, accumulating four steals and often picking up defensive pressure full-court.

Balsa Koprivica had been one of the most productive players over the last three games, nearly averaging a double-double. However, foul trouble kept him on the bench much of the night, but the Noles managed in his absence. It’s likely why Colorado had a large edge in the rebounding department. The Noles finding a way to win without Koprivica on the court was big time.

I said it in my preview, but the offense is more productive when RaiQuan Gray attacks. He is a problem off the dribble, and he’s good around the basket. He was only 2 of 8 from the floor, but most of the shots were high percentage shots, and he got to the free-throw line more than anyone else in the Nole lineup. His play helped the Noles gain separation mid-way through the second half.

Malik Osborne helped in the absence of Koprivica. He finished the game with 11 points and four rebounds. The depth of FSU on display as nine players played at least 11 minutes.

Parting Thoughts

It was a strong effort from the Noles. I know some folks will say they got lucky because Colorado couldn’t hit shots, but a lot of that was due to the defensive play of the Noles. FSU shot 52 percent from the floor and looked like they were completely lost on offense in stretches of the game.

That has to be scary for Michigan fans. Imagine what could happen if they began to take good shots and stop turning the ball over so much?

The Noles will play Sunday at 5 p.m. ET, with the game airing on CBS. The Wolverines are -3 betting favorites.