FSU basketball: Key takeaways from ‘Noles win over Clemson

FSU basketball (14-11, 7-8 ACC) got a much-needed 81-80 win over the Clemson Tigers Tuesday night to avenge a previous loss.

The win snapped a six-game losing streak for the Noles and provided a glimpse of what’s possible as more inexperienced players play in Leonard Hamilton’s system.

RayQuan Evans stole the show with a career-high 28 points and was monumental in the win.

However, FSU finally played a game where they didn’t beat themselves. Here are some key takeaways from the game:

• FSU only had eight turnovers
• FSU shot 25 of 30 from the free-throw line
• FSU shot 42 percent from three-point land
• Cam’Ron Fletcher and Matthew Cleveland combined for 30 points

The first three have been issues for the Noles all season. Turning the ball over and missed free throws have cost them several wins this season. The three-point shooting has been inconsistent, but when they shoot over 40 percent, they usually have a shot at winning the game.

Cam’Ron Fletcher and Matthew Cleveland could be huge pieces for Leonard Hamilton if they return for the 2022-23 season. Both players can be impactful on the offensive end, and an aggressive Fletcher is what the Noles will need to compliment Evans, Cleveland, and John Butler as the better offensive options.

I don’t expect RayQuan Evans to pour in 28 points every night, but if he plays with the same assertiveness in the next few games? The Noles can win a couple of more games this season and begin preparing for next year.

Leonard Hamilton is a great coach, and the youth combined with injuries to key players would have decimated any team’s chances of playing at the level they are capable of.

The fact they didn’t mail it in and quit after losing six consecutive games, and especially after getting blown out against North Carolina?

It tells me Leonard Hamilton could again have this program as a force to be reckoned with next season.