Florida State takes on its rival, the Florida Gators, in men’s hoops at 6 PM today in the Tucker Center, as the Noles face their first and most challenging test of the non-conference season. The Gators currently have a three-game winning streak against the Seminoles, and according to ESPN Bet, FSU is a 5.5-point underdog in tonight’s contest.
FSU won its first three games comfortably but still needs to answer significant questions, such as their three-point shooting and ability to defend without fouling. Jamir Watkins played only 18 minutes against Tarleton State on Tuesday as Coach Ham tried to give his top players rest, but he still leads the Noles in scoring, averaging 18.3 points per game. The Noles hope home-court advantage can boost them as Friday night will be the first student section sell-out of the young season.
On the court, Florida is one of the best teams in the country, evidenced by its #20 ranking and its inclusion in every AP poll to start the year. According to KenPom, the Gators rank 15th in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 116.8 per 100 possessions and are scoring 88.3 points per game. Their three wins came against USF, Jacksonville, and Grambling, with a margin of victory of 15 or more.
Off the court, third-year UF head coach Todd Golden has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women. He is expected to coach tonight and manned the sideline during the Gators’ contest at home against Grambling on Monday.
Players to watch:
- G Walter Clayton Jr.: Clayton is the straw that stirs the drink for the Gators, returning for his second season in Gainesville after spending two years at Iona. He leads the team in scoring, assists, and should be the top minute-getter tonight. He dropped 29 points on 10-15 shooting against USF in Florida’s most competitive game of the season.
- G Will Richard: Richard returns for his senior season and third with the Gators after beginning his career with Belmont. He is Clayton’s partner-in-crime as the dominant guard play between them sink opponents. He ranks second on Florida with 16 points per game, is perfect from the free throw line to begin the season, and averages 3.3 steals.
- F Alex Condon: While FSU has to wait a year to take on 7’9’’ UF forward Olivier Rioux, who decided to red-shirt yesterday, they must deal with Condon tonight. Condon looks to be taking the next step in his second year, averaging 15.3 PPG, almost double his output a season ago. Standing 6’11’’, he is UF’s tallest rotation player, leading to his team-leading 1.7 blocks per game.
The game tips off at 6 PM tonight and can be heard on the ACC Network or the Seminole Sports Radio Network.
