Both teams, #8 North Carolina (21-5) and #16 Florida State (21-5), are on their own runs of impressive wins. The Tarheels have recently knocked off #1 Duke in a blowout win without Zion. And the Seminoles have been on an eight game win streak with wins against Louisville and Syracuse.
How North Carolina Can Win
Score fast and control the inside paint. To much of what we expect, the plan is to reenact the Duke game. UNC is one of the highest scoring teams in the NCAA and will let hesitate to run up the scoreboard. However, if the Tarheels get the paint under control, it will be all over before it starts.
How Florida State Can Win
Keep on the defensive track and shoot better in terms of percentage. Florida State isn’t known for their ferocious scoring, but rather a quiet and efficient defense. We will see the Seminoles try to employ their defensive set and limit the Tarheels shots and rebounding. And the only way the Seminoles could win is through their defense, so keep to what you know.
Players to Watch
North Carolina: F Luke Maye ran the paint against the Duke Blue Devils and will need to do the same against FSU. Maye averages 9.8 rebounds and 15.1 points a game to propel his importance for this team. If Maye shows up for the Tarheels, then I think North Carolina can walk out with an easy win.
Florida State: F Mfiondu Kabengle (yes, it is a mouthful) is the leading scoring for the Seminoles at 13.4 points a game. We need to watch Kabengle do a lot in terms of scoring for the Seminoles for a possible upset. Keep an eye out for Kabengle to come to play and he will do it well.
Score Predictions
The Tarheels are coming off of a big win against the Blue Devils and show they can win big games. Granted, Duke didn’t have Zion Williamson, but they still did everything well. I like the Tarheels to be the dominating force in this game, with them ruling the pace of the game. Put your money on the Tarheels to win this one. North Carolina 83, Florida State 74
Photo Credits: https://wtop.com/ncaa-basketball/2018/01/no-24-florida-state-survives-against-no-12-north-carolina/
