Busting Brackets
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ACC basketball: Power ranking the league down the stretch

By Michael Walton

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - January 31: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at John Paul Jones Arena on January 31, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - January 31: Head coach Tony Bennett of the Virginia Cavaliers reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Louisville Cardinals at John Paul Jones Arena on January 31, 2018 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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Last week: Home win 81-79 OT vs Clemson 

Florida State has some big wins on the season, and a decent amount of their losses have come in close games against quality competition. Last week they suffered a four-point loss at home to Virginia. The Seminoles put up a great defensive effort in the game, holding Virginia to 40 percent shooting from the field. Florida State was physical, getting to the free throw line more and winning the rebound battle. The difference in the game was Virginia’s starting back-court hitting more 3-pointers than Florida State as a team.

The Seminoles were far less inspiring in their 15-point road loss to Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish spread them out and attacked the paint to open up their 3-point shooters. Farrell’s career-high 28-points sank a team that is usually able to score with anybody.

My reasoning for having FSU this high is that big wins mean  a lot more to me personally. And the Seminoles showed tremendous heart in their overtime home win over Clemson. Florida State Head coach Leonard Hamilton must’ve given a hell of a halftime speech, because they were down 41-29 going into the break. The win is huge not only because it is a resume builder, but it give Florida State the chance for a season sweep of the Tigers.

Clemson and the Seminoles meet again on February 28th. Florida State’s ability to score in bunches, but simultaneously frustrate the opponent’s leading scorer(s) make them real a threat to have a big finish to the year.

This week: Sunday vs Pittsburgh (H)