Busting Brackets
Fansided

Florida State Basketball: Biggest keys to upsetting North Carolina

By Brian Rauf

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: The Florida State Seminoles bench reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on January 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: The Florida State Seminoles bench reacts against the Miami Hurricanes during the second half at Watsco Center on January 27, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Christ Koumadje #21 of the Florida State Seminoles dunks against Terrell Brown #21 and Khameron Davis #13 of the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center on January 14, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JANUARY 14: Christ Koumadje #21 of the Florida State Seminoles dunks against Terrell Brown #21 and Khameron Davis #13 of the Pittsburgh Panthers at Petersen Events Center on January 14, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

1) Win the battle inside

Florida State is one of the biggest teams in the country and usually has a size advantage at every position. That’s a big deal in most games but it might play more of a factor than normal against North Carolina.

The Tar Heels have traditionally been one of the best rebounding teams in the nation under Roy Williams. This year is no different as they lead the country in total rebounds per game and rank in the top 25 in both offensive and defensive rebounding rate.

UNC makes their money on the glass and on the interior. Just ask Duke – the Heels ripped them up with 62 points in the paint.

Florida State has the ability to keep them out of the paint and limit their effectiveness because of their size and length. They rank among the top 35 teams in the country in field goal percentage defense inside the arc and rank in the top 50 in block percentage.

The Seminoles also need to be effective inside on the offensive end. They’re not a great three-point shooting team and usually get most of their scoring done around the rim on drives or post-ups.

Though they don’t have a good shot blocker, the Tar Heels are deep with players who are big and capable post defenders. And, like FSU, have length and athleticism on the wing to help eliminate driving lanes.

This is the area where the game will most likely be won. Winning the battle inside is a huge part of the identity of both teams, so whoever gains an edge here will give themselves a serious advantage.

Home/Florida State Seminoles