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FSU basketball: Why depth could be an issue for Michigan against Noles

By Kelvin Hunt

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: A view of a hallway leading toward the team entrance area prior to the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Duke Blue Devils during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 31: A view of a hallway leading toward the team entrance area prior to the game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Duke Blue Devils during the 2019 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament East Regional Final at Capital One Arena on March 31, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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FSU basketball will face the Michigan Wolverines in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. The Noles are the No. 13 team in KenPom rankings, with Michigan checking in at No. 3.

Both teams feature efficient offenses and defense, but one of the biggest differences is depth. The Noles are one of the deepest teams in the nation, with nine players averaging over 13 minutes per game.

Michigan has eight players averaging over 11 minutes per game but will be without starting forward Isaiah Livers, who has missed the last few games with a stress fracture in his foot.

Their last outing against LSU is a prime example of how their depth could be a issue for them against FSU.

Wolverine starters against LSU:

  • Brandon Johns Jr.-27 minutes
  • Hunter Dickson-31 minutes
  • Franz Wagnor-33 minutes
  • Eli Brooks-32 minutes
  • Mike Smith-32 minutes

Michigan bench

  • Chaundee Brown-27 minutes
  • Austin Davis-9 minutes
  • Terrance Williams-9 minutes

That’s everyone who played against LSU in their second-round matchup.

FSU basketball starters against Colorado:

  • RaiQuan Gray-28 minutes
  • Balsa Koprivica-11 minutes(foul trouble)
  • RayQuan Evans-18 minutes
  • M.J. Walker-31 minutes
  • Anthony Polite-28 minutes

FSU bench

  • Scottie Barnes-22 minutes
  • Malik Osborne-20 minutes
  • Saadar Calhoun-11 minutes
  • Wyatt Wilkes-11 minutes

Thoughts

I described FSU’s win over Colorado like a boxing match with the Noles going to the body (defensive pressure) and taking the Buffaloe’s stamina. Once the body blows slowed them down, the FSU offense finished them off with haymakers to the head. The same could happen against Michigan, not to mention the lack of depth could become a factor with foul trouble.

The loss of Livers, who is their second-leading scorer, and their best three-point shooter, will make it difficult for the Wolverines to combat what FSU brings to the table on defense.

The Noles opened as +3 betting underdogs and that line is now +2.5, with the over/under point total moving from 145 to 143.5. I believe the FSU defense of late and knowing Michigan doesn’t have a ton of depth are factors there.

I’ve been saying it all year, FSU plays to its level of competition and they are 7-1 against ranked opponents this year. If they’re locked in, Michigan could be in for a long afternoon.

Next. 3 Noles Who Need To Step Up In NCAA Tournament. dark

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