Florida State men’s basketball team (7-8, 0-2) is back in action after a week off, set to face NC State (11-5, 2-1) in a noon showdown. The Seminoles are still seeking their first conference win after narrowly losing to Duke last week by a score of 91-87.
Despite the less-than-ideal record, head coach Luke Loucks is optimistic that the team is beginning to find its rhythm following a tough five-game losing streak. In their recent match against the Blue Devils, Florida State showcased a notable improvement, successfully hitting 14 of their 30 three-point attempts, a significant boost after struggling with shooting earlier in the season.
However, the upcoming game presents a formidable challenge as the Wolfpack, under the guidance of rookie head coach Will Wade, is known for its physical style of play. NC State has made substantial investments in its roster and has faced tough competition, with three of their five losses coming against ranked teams.
Fans can catch the game live on the ACC Network at 12 PM in Tallahassee.
Both Loucks and Wade are navigating their first years in the ACC, a conference looking to regain its prominence on the basketball scene. Following a dip in performance last year, the ACC appears more competitive this season, with four teams currently within the top 25 and a total of eight projected in Joe Lunardi’s latest bracket analysis. NC State is positioned as a #10 seed in postseason predictions.
Traditionally, Florida State has had the upper hand over NC State, particularly at home, having secured wins in their last six meetings in Tallahassee. With students returning to campus, Coach Loucks is hopeful that the Seminoles can extend their home winning streak against the Wolfpack to seven.
This game not only marks a potential turning point for Florida State but also highlights the competitive spirit of the ACC, setting the stage for an exciting encounter in Tallahassee.