FSU basketball: Noles host No. 24 Clemson as slight underdogs

FSU basketball (7-14, 5-5 ACC) looks to get back on the winning side of things after a poor performance against rival Miami in their last outing.

The Noles had an opportunity to win their 10th consecutive game against the Canes and came out flat, with the game never being competitive after the first few minutes. No. 24 Clemson (17-4, 9-1 ACC) travels to the Tucker Center Saturday as winners in four of their last five games.

The Tigers will go into the game as -2 point betting favorites, with the points total over/under at 142. That total implies a 72-70 win for the Tigers. The biggest difference in the Miami game was the lack of rebounding and Miami shooting lights out from the three-point line.

Those were two areas FSU had done better in recent games, but for whatever reason wasn’t good, and Miami seemed to want it more with their hustle for loose balls. Clemson is a lot like that Miami team offensively, with four guys averaging in double figures. They shoot it well overall and from the three-point line.

They only average 11 turnovers per game and make nearly 80 percent of their free throws. One major difference is they don’t crash the offensive boards that well, and I anticipate that’s an area FSU may be able to exploit.

However, they’ll need to make some shots, particularly Darin Green Jr., who couldn’t buy a basket last game after going for 20+ points in the two games prior.

FSU forced Miami into 17 turnovers and couldn’t capitalize while the Canes shot 56 percent from the floor and 50 percent from three-point range.

Some of those three-pointers were the tip-your-hat variety, but FSU can’t allow teams to shoot over 50 percent overall and expect to win. Here’s hoping they play with a better effort Saturday afternoon in front of the home crowd against a ranked opponent.