FSU basketball survived a big scare from UNC Greensboro to advance to the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament.
The early rounds of the NCAA Tournament have been upset heavy, with Florida State nearly becoming the latest victim. The Seminoles survived a massive scare from UNC Greensboro, topping the Spartans 64-54 to advance to the Round of 32 out of the East Region.
Even though they never trailed in the game, Florida State simply couldn’t put away UNC Greensboro, which cut their deficit to just one point at times in the second half. A dreadful 3-point performance from the Seminoles, who went 0-for-9 from beyond the arc, allowed the Spartans to keep this game uncomfortably tight.
FSU basketball became the first team since Kentucky in 2018 to not make a single 3-pointer in an NCAA Tournament game. They didn’t need one because the Seminoles defense was suffocating, limiting UNC-Greensboro to just 54 points, the second-fewest FSU has allowed in a Tournament game.
Florida State went 0-9 on 3-pt FG, becoming the first team since 2018 Kentucky to not make a 3 in an NCAA Tournament game.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 20, 2021
But the Seminoles didn't need any, holding UNC Greensboro to 54 points, tied for the 2nd-fewest points FSU has ever allowed in the NCAA Tournament. pic.twitter.com/QHOqttKaqN
Florida State basketball didn’t need a single 3-pointer to advance
Florida State did catch a break, however, as UNC-Greensboro missed some pivotal free throws down the stretch, including the front end on a pair of one-and-ones that cost the Spartans critical points. The difference in this game was a tremendous defensive performance from the Seminoles, who held the Spartans to just 32.8 percent shooting from the floor and 7-of-27 from 3-point land.
Leonard Hamilton’s team also dominated on the glass as Raiquan Gray and Balsa Koprivica combined for 30 points and 18 rebounds to help the Seminoles generate points on the interior. That display is just one of the many ways that the Seminoles can beat teams, making Florida State an extremely dangerous out in March Madness.
Next up for Florida State is a matchup in the Round of 32 against Colorado, which busted brackets across America by not getting upset by Georgetown this afternoon. The Buffaloes bring a star point guard to this matchup in McKinley Wright IV, who scored 12 points and dropped 13 assists against the Hoyas, making him the key player for the Seminoles to stop if they hope to get to the Sweet 16.
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