One of the highlights of the Wednesday slate of college basketball games in the Big Ten-ACC Challenge is a showdown between the no. 19 Purdue Boilermakers and no. 15 Florida State Seminoles. As the home team, the Seminoles are favored by 4.5 points.
Florida State is fresh off an appearance at the AdvoCare Invitational in Orlando. During that tournament, the Seminoles scored impressive wins over UAB and a top-20 LSU team. However, the Seminoles fell a little short in the finals, losing to Villanova 66-60. Despite the loss, FSU has already played several high-level teams this year, which should have them prepared for a big game with Purdue on Wednesday night.
The Boilermakers also played in a tournament last week, participating in the Charleston Classic. Purdue breezed to wins over Appalachian State and Davidson in the first two rounds. However, they let the final slip away from them, losing to Virginia Tech 89-83 in a game the Boilermakers led by as many as 12 points in the second half. On the bright side, Purdue has since bounced back with a lopsided win over Robert Morris to get back on track.
Did Someone Say Guard Play?
The Boilermakers are absolutely loaded in the backcourt with junior Carsen Edwards and senior Ryan Cline, two players who bring a wealth of experience to the table and are both scoring at a high rate. Edwards is leading the way with 25 points per game, helped along by his 41% shooting touch from the perimeter. Meanwhile, Cline is scoring over 14 points per game after averaging just four points per night last season.
Naturally, there is some drop-off scoring-wise after those two, as the Boilermakers are relying on mostly freshmen to provide some depth. However, Purdue does have some size in the frontcourt to help complement their terrific guard play. Most of that size comes from 7’3’’ sophomore Matt Haarms, who has scored in double figures in three of six games this year. However, he was scoreless with just two rebounds against Virginia Tech, which is a concern.
Team Effort
For Florida State, it’s been more of a group effort this year more so than one or two players standing out. The Seminoles have 10 players averaging at least nine minutes per game. Also, no one is averaging any better than 12.8 points per game, which they’re getting from senior swingman Terance Mann, who’s the closest FSU has to a go-to man.
While the Boilermakers are relying heavily on their two veteran guards to do the heavy lifting, Leonard Hamilton has half a dozen players he can throw in the backcourt. That allows the ‘Noles to stay fresh, keep their defensive energy high, and ride the hot hand whenever they can. Florida State will also challenge Purdue’s size in the frontcourt, as 6’10’’ sophomore Mfiondu Kabengele has become more of a scoring threat. FSU also has 7’4’’ senior Christ Koumadje to give them a defensive and rebounding presence.
Strength in Numbers
Early in the season, the Seminoles are a little more battle tested and have a little more depth. They also have the home-court advantage in this game. That should be enough to lift Florida State to victory in what should be a competitive game. Bet on Florida State beating Purdue and covering the 4.5-point spread on Wednesday night.
