NCAA Basketball: 21st ranked Florida on upset alert as they face Florida State

An NCAA basketball rivalry clash between Florida and Florida State will take center stage on Sunday.

The 21st ranked Florida Gators head to Tallahassee on Sunday evening to face the Florida State Seminoles, a team that hovering around the AP Top 25. The Gators (7-2) are coming off a well fought battle against 5th ranked Duke, but the Blue Devils came out with an 84-74 victory. The Seminoles (9-1) are riding a five-game winning streak, including wins against Illinois and Minnesota.

This rivalry has come down to the wire recently. Two years ago, one of the most bizarre finishes in college basketball history occurred, as Florida’s Jacob Kurtz tipped the ball into his own basket at the buzzer.

Last year, Florida State’s Dwayne Bacon nailed a jumper with four seconds left to secure a two-point victory.

Florida has certainly played up to par this season. Their two losses come against Duke, as previously stated, and then-11th ranked Gonzaga, a game they lost by only five points. The Gators do have key wins over Seton Hall, an 81-76 win, and Miami (FL), 65-56.

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Mike White’s team is led by KeVaughn Allen (13.3 points) and Devin Robinson (11.7 points). Florida has incredible depth, as seven Gators play 10 minutes or more per game.

Nothing about Florida is overly impressive, as they rank outside the top 70 in points per game, points allowed per game and rebounds per game.

Florida State has been very impressive this season, excluding a three-point loss to Temple.

Florida State is fantastic on offense, as they are eighth in the NCAA in points per game and have scored over 95 points on five occasions this year. Additionally, FSU is fourth in the nation in team field goal percentage (52.4).

Though the Seminoles have not yet played a ranked opponent, they have defeated talented Big Ten programs in Illinois (72-61) and Minnesota (75-67).

Florida State could have the most bench usage in the nation, as all Seminoles play 10 or minutes per game. Sophomore guard Dwayne Bacon (16.6 points) and freshman forward Jonathan Isaac (15.1 points) have been the two most impressive players so far.

Due to Florida State’s length, Florida’s offensive efficiency is vital for the Gators to win. This means that Florida cannot waste possessions, must have a good shot selection and must use as much time as needed to take a shot.

In front of the home crowd, Florida State must continue their offensive success in order to win. The Seminoles average over 90 points per game, which should be sufficient enough to defeat the Gators. Nothing much needs to change for Florida State to win this one, but everything must remain as consistent as it has been throughout this season.

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Florida State should come out with a win here. Their dominating and high powered offense will be too much for Florida.

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