This team has frustrated me more than any other Seminole team in the past, one specific example was the Pittsburgh game in which we were outscored 41-29 in the second half. That was a crushing loss, and looking back, if we had won that game we would be 7-4 in the ACC and just two games out of first place. But looking back it almost seems like we needed to lose that game as we have won four straight games and are finally playing with energy on both sides of the ball.
Beating Syracuse in the Carrier Dome is not an easy task, especially since the Orange are on the bubble and need this win just as much as we do. With Jim Boeheim, the Cuse are 12-3 this year but due to his suspension Boeheim missed nine games and during that stretch the Orange went 4-5, including an 0-3 start in ACC play. This team won the Battle for Atlantis tournament early in the season and looked like a real sleeper team but have not found their groove since the Bahamas. Syracuse only plays about 6 to 7 players, so Florida State's depth could play a big advantage tonight. The 'Noles will need to continue to play with energy on both ends of the court, especially on defense if they want to beat the Orange. Everybody knows the Orange play a 2-3 zone and the best way to beat a 2-3 zone is to beat it down the court. The 'Noles seem to have noticed that getting stops on defense leads to easy buckets in transition (what a concept) and that is especially the case tonight.
Similar to our last four victories, we will need contributions from other players not named Bacon or Beasley. Devon Bookert (whom Johnathan slept hard on early in the season) has become almost a lock to play well, stuff the stat sheet, and do the little things we need him to do to win. If Bookert does not have a big game, you can probably attribute that to Syracuse focusing on him as a shooter, which will open up the middle of the zone where Dwayne Bacon thrives. We will need productive minutes from Montay Brandon, Terrance Mann, and Benji Bell. Brandon may be a non-factor against the 2-3 zone however, because I feel like his skill set does not produce in the zone defense. Luckily, Terrance Mann thrives against zone defenses because he understands when to pass, cut, and get the ball in the middle of the zone. Benji Bell (6-10 from 3 last 3 games) is the guy who I think will have a huge game tonight. As long as he is aggressive and takes the shots when they are open, Benji could win this game for the Seminoles. Given our lack of depth in the post, we will need everyone to attack the boards and box out the Orange. If Syracuse out rebounds us by 10+ or more I think it will be difficult to come away with a win. My prediction for tonight: 'Noles win 79-71 with Beasley, Bookert, Bacon, and Bell all having big nights.
The biggest marquee win opportunity remaining is when #12 Miami comes to Tallahassee on Valentine's Day. Gentlemen, the Seminoles need all the support they can get. Make sure to plan a thoughtful Valentine's Day centered around Saturday night and maybe a surprise breakfast or brunch on Sunday morning, that way you can convince her to come to the basketball game. If you're single and an FSU student there is no reason you should not be at this game. First off it is free, second off if you happen to meet a single girl at the basketball game on Valentines Day... marry her. Back to the game - Miami is really good and pretty much dominated us last time these two teams met. We are a different team now and I believe that will lead to a different result. The 'Noles need this game and I believe they will come out ready to play. Last time their guards got to the rim at will and Tony Jekiri was a menace on both sides of the court. The Canes have this swagger of trying to intimidate opponents with their dunks, threes, and trash talk. We fell victim to it early on and found ourselves down early as a result. Jim Larranaga's squad thrives on their opponent's fear and look for the kill as soon as it is available. Leonard Hamilton's team needs to come out and punch the 'Canes in the face (much like the football team has done for the past 6 years) early and jump on the momentum from what should be a packed Donald L. Tucker Center.
The key to victory is similar to the Syracuse game - get stops because stops lead to transition. Boris and his lame neck beard need to play well, contain Jekiri, and alter shots from the 'Canes. I have more faith in Jarquez Smith playing well against Miami now that the junior has been playing well of late. Lastly, #FreeKoumadje. I love the 7'4" freshman. I understand that he is raw, Coach Ham, but he plays with a fire that has been missing in the post for the past three years (*cough* Bojo). Koumadje gets his teammates and the fans going, this will be important in what should be a close game where any momentum for Florida State will be appreciated. Xavier Rathan-Mayes will have a great game on Sunday, and my reasoning for that has nothing to do with his ridiculous 30 point outburst against the 'Canes last year. Simply put, XRM is due for a huge scoring game, he has not had one since we played North Carolina on January, 4th. I would argue he is the best streaky shooter in the country because he can just get in the zone and get his jumpshot working. He has struggled lately and has seen his minutes decrease in the last few games but Rathan-Mayes is a competitor and I think he will come out with a great game this week. It could happen against Syracuse, but I have feeling it will be Miami. Beasley and Bacon will score and rebound like they always do but I believe XRM leads us to a 83-79 victory over Miami.
There you have it, the keys to success for the next two games. If we can win these two matchups we will put ourselves in great position for the tournament with a hypothetical record of 18-7 and 8-5 in the ACC. It will not be easy but I believe in these Seminoles and you should too. They have fun and play hard. They may be young and frustrating, but you can tell they are a family and they need our support. We win these two games and then have two very winnable games next week (Georgia Tech, @Virginia Tech) and the 'Noles could be in the fight for a top 3 seed in the ACC Tournament. It begins tonight as Ham and his crew strive for five W's in a row tonight on ESPN at 7:00 PM at Syracuse.
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Frustrating is right on target. Freshmen aside, we should be playing better.
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