Florida State University has improved its record to .500 this season and aims for a crucial victory against their rival, the Miami Hurricanes, in a heated matchup. The Seminoles are looking for a sweep of their long-standing rival, while Miami hopes to secure a strong position for the upcoming ACC Tournament.
One player to watch for the Hurricanes is forward Malik Reneau, who may play a key role in their strategy against Florida State. Although Reneau only managed to collect three rebounds in a recent game against Virginia, he is expected to bounce back as he faces a Seminoles team that has struggled with rebounding, ranking 272nd since the beginning of January.
Miami has performed well in both offensive and defensive rebound rates this season, ranking among the Top 15 in the country. Reneau’s defensive rebounding rate stands at 18.1% during ACC play, positioning him well to capitalize on Florida State’s challenges.
The Seminoles, who have a tendency to rely on long-range shooting—contributing to over 47% of their shots—have struggled with accuracy, making just 33% from beyond the arc. This pattern results in more missed opportunities, potentially translating to additional rebounding chances for Miami.
Expectations are high for Reneau, as his increased rebounding could also elevate his scoring output given his significant 29.8% usage rate in ACC matchups. Florida State tends to allow opponents to make about 60.2% of their shots close to the basket, further indicating a favorable match-up for the Hurricanes.
In conjunction with Reneau’s rebounding prop, Miami’s forward is projected to score over 17.5 points as he partners with Robert McCray from Florida State, who has recently been a key player with significant scoring averages and assist rates. McCray’s performance will be critical for the Seminoles as they look to execute their game plan effectively against Miami’s defense.
As fans gear up for this exciting showdown, the anticipation builds. The game is set to take place at the Tucker Center in Tallahassee, Florida, on February 24, 2026, at 9:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ACCN. With Florida State aiming to maintain its winning momentum and Miami seeking vengeance, this rivalry game promises to be a thrilling encounter filled with high-stakes basketball.