FSU basketball saw its short two-game ACC winning streak end with a 77-57 blowout loss on the road against the Clemson Tigers. The trend of FSU beating mediocre teams and losing to potential NCAA Tournament teams continues.
The major difference was Clemson's hot shooting and FSU's inability to use its defense to create offense. Clemson shot 48 percent overall and 46 percent from the three-point line (13 of 28). FSU only forced 10 turnovers to create seven points.
Clemson led 36-29 at halftime.
FSU went scoreless in the first two minutes of the second half and never got closer than an 11-point deficit with 8:50 remaining. FSU failed to grab an offensive rebound or had a costly turnover every time they had a chance to cut into the lead.
FSU only shot 42 percent overall and was only (4 of 16) from the three-point line. They were 11 of 15 from the free-throw line and outscored Clemson in the paint 30-26. The Noles only had 12 turnovers, which is below their season average.
FSU had nothing for Clemson's hot shooting, which seems like the norm when Leonard Hamilton teams face good teams. They took advantage of FSU's switching defense and easily broke their press.
Malique Ewin continues to play well, leading FSU with 15 points. Jamir Watkins only had 11 points and Jerry Deng played well off the bench with 11 points.
FSU will have a chance against another potential tournament team when they host the Pitt Panthers on Wednesday at 9 p.m. That game will air on ESPNU.