FSU dominates No. 22 Clemson
Ben Meyerson
Florida State routed the No. 22 Clemson Tigers at home on Saturday, Jan. 23, winning 80-61 although the result was much closer than the game indicated.
The Seminoles have now won four straight games since returning to play from their break due to pandemic complications, beating NC State, UNC, Louisville and now Clemson.
FSU lost their last game at Clemson on Dec. 29 77-67 and struggled offensively while facing the Tigers' stout defense. Saturday proved to be different and the 'Noles showed that their recent success can translate to all types of opponents.
Sophomore Balsa Koprivica was excellent once again for the Seminoles, recording 13 points and 10 rebounds. Florida State head coach Leonard Hamilton said afterward that Koprivica and the rest of his squad can continue to improve.
"I thought that [Balsa] did a very good job of going to the front of the rim and being active," Hamilton said. "We're still a developing team, I just hope that we can keep winning."
Hamilton's side has been efficient offensively as of late and while that didn't slow down against the Tigers, it was the Seminole defense that stood out. FSU held the Tigers to their lowest point-total in ACC play thus far this season.
The Seminoles recorded seven blocks and six steals and were disruptive the entire game. After the game, redshirt-junior RaiQuan Gray credited his coaches for consistently putting the players in a position to remain fresh throughout games.
"I think Coach Ham does a great job of keeping guys fresh throughout the rotations so we can keep that high level energy up and keep that same pressure and intensity up all game," Gray said. "I credit our coaches of doing a great job subbing and we're the type of guys who want to come out of the game and share playing time."
The Seminoles controlled the game on Saturday and unlike the first matchup vs. Clemson, they out-rebounded the Tigers 41-32. That rebound advantage has been consistent throughout FSU's winning streak, as each opponent has been out-rebounded or held to a draw in the statistic (UNC).
In the first half of the Clemson game, the 'Noles flat-out dominated; whether it was the Malik Osborne block shared throughout Twitter or the two shot-clock violations they forced the Tigers into, FSU was tenacious throughout.
Transfer and former junior-college product Sardaar Calhoun finished the game with 13 points for the 'Noles, going 4-5 from three-point range and showing future promise.
"To Calhoun's credit he has worked so hard to learn our defensive scheme, our offensive scheme, he has really emerged himself in going out and playing the FSU way, almost to a fault," Hamilton said. "Now that he's more comfortable with what his responsibilities are on the defensive end, he also now very comfortable understanding this system offensively… his best basketball is no doubt ahead of him."
The Seminoles finished the half up 42-24 and it felt like the Seminoles were just getting started. They dominated the second half as well, driving the lead up to 30 points, then eventually up to 35 points with twelve minutes remaining.
Even though his team was up big Leonard Hamilton was impressed by his team's ability to stay focused and finish the game in the second half and finish the game.
"I thought they came out in the second half with the type of mentality that you like to see; everybody moving the ball, everybody concentrating, talking is important," Hamilton said. "We haven't always been consistent with that, but that shows that a team is maturing."
Although Saturday's game was a joyous occasion for Seminoles fans, those in attendance held their collective breath with 15 minutes left in the game when senior M.J. Walker exited after an apparent head injury following a collision with a Clemson player.
Coach Hamilton afterward said that M.J. appeared okay after the game.
"MJ ran into Tanner's elbow at the free-throw line," Hamilton said. "He appeared okay in the locker room. I haven't talked to the doctor yet, but he appeared fine."
The Seminoles' next game will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. against their in-state and conference rival Miami Hurricanes.