NC State vs. #25 Florida State : Info, Preview, Keys to the game & How to Watch

NC State Wolfpack vs #25 Florida State Seminoles
Gametime: 6:00 pm
TV: EPSNU
Location: Raleigh, NC

Get to know FSU…
Florida State comes into this game ranked #25. They are 19- 8 on the season and are one game behind NC State at  8-7 in the ACC. They currently are on a 2 game winning streak, one of which was a win over #15 Clemson. Their quality wins include that Clemson win, a win over #12 (at the time) UNC and a win over #5 (at the time) Florida.

This is a team that really doesn’t rely on one superstar. They have a group of guys who on any given night could step up. The most likely to do that is 6’8 forward, Phil Cofer. He’s actually their second-leading scorer at 13.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, but he’s been the guy stepping up lately. He is long, wrangly and athletic. He does most of his work around the hoop, but he’s got a decent shot on him too if you decide to play off.

Aside from Cofer, you have 6’6 junior guard Terance Mann, who comes in averaging 14 points and 6 boards per game and 6’6 senior guard Braian Angola who averages nearly 13ppg. Mann is more of a slasher, and struggles from3 point range, while Angola was shooting it well from beyond the arc, but is only 1 for his last 17 attempts.

6’1 Sophomore guard CJ Walker is apt to get going at times but has been inconsistent during ACC play. PJ Savoy is also a guy you have to watch for. The 6’4 junior guard is 9 for his last 21 from 3pt range and will look to keep up his hot streak from downtown.

In the middle, the Noles roll with the 7’4 monster, Christ Koumadje. This kid is humongous, but he’s just not very skilled. Actually, his minutes have been dwindling as of late, and FSU has been opting to go with more of a 4 guard line-ups (but keep in mine, their guards are large).

Keys to the game for NC State…

• Keep up the pressure.  This Seminole team likes to play fast and likes to get out on the break, but they can get sloppy. NC State needs to pester them and make them work to get the ball up the floor.  Although this is a pretty good passing team (5th in the ACC in assists) they are also 2nd to last in the ACC in turnovers committed. Couple that with the fact that State leads the ACC in steals with 7.6 per game and you have a chance to do some damage here.
• Keep sharing the basketball. The Noles struggle defensively. They lack discipline and can get picked apart by a good guard, but they can at times make up for that with their size. The more NC State can get into the lane and make them shift, the more open looks the Pack will get. That’s good news for a State team that is shooting over 50% in their last 4 games and have hit nearly 47% of their 3s during that span
• Win on the boards. NC State was killing it on the offensive glass during the first half of the ACC season, but as of late they have trailed off. Some of this has been based on tough matchups inside, but some has been the fact that Yurt has gotten into foul trouble that has cost him big minutes. If NC State wins the turnover battle and dominate on the glass, they win this game. Yurt and Dorn are big in making sure FSU doesn’t clean up on the glass. They are big at every position and in the past that has caused trouble for State. FSU ranks #3 in the ACC in rebounds per game, but NC State has the edge in total offensive rebounds.
• Run them off the 3pt line – This team might be giving up a high FG% to their opponents, but they are actually 34th in the nation in 3pt FG% defense according to Ken Pom. Florida State hits about eight 3’s per game, so limiting good looks will be important.
• Win and you’re in. I know Keatts doesn’t want to talk about the NCAA tournament, but this team knows the deal. Win this game and you can celebrate because you’re a lock for the big dance. Despite being ranked #25, FSU is considered a bubble team. They will be coming out with their backs against the wall and looking get into a tie with the Pack in the ACC standings, but the Wolfpack should be looking to put the nail in that coffin with a victory.