Florida State Seminoles vs North Carolina Tar Heels – NCAA Basketball Preview – February 24, 2025
Florida State hosts North Carolina on Monday night at the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center in Tallahassee. The game is set for 7:00 PM ET and features two ACC teams fighting to stay in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Tar Heels are 17-11 and sit sixth in the conference, while the Seminoles are 16-11 and are in eighth place.
North Carolina won the last meeting between these teams on March 14, 2024, in a dominant 92-67 performance. The Tar Heels have been playing well lately, riding a three-game winning streak with victories over Syracuse, NC State, and Virginia. Florida State has been inconsistent, going 3-6 in their last nine games, but they hope to make a statement at home.
Florida State Preview – Can the Seminoles Find Consistency?
Florida State is looking to get back on track after a tough stretch. The Seminoles are 16-11 overall and 7-9 in the ACC. They are strong at home with a 10-4 record but have struggled on the road (2-7). Head coach Leonard Hamilton announced he will step down at the end of the season, adding an emotional element to their games.
Senior guard Jamir Watkins has been the go-to player for the Seminoles. He averages 18.1 points per game and has scored in double figures in six straight games. Watkins scored 23 points in Florida State’s 89-81 loss to No. 25 Louisville on Saturday, showcasing his scoring ability.
The Seminoles need to improve on defense, where they allow 71.4 points per game. They have been better at home, covering the spread in 13 of their last 18 games at the Tucker Civic Center. They must slow down North Carolina’s offense and keep the game within reach.
North Carolina Preview – Can the Tar Heels Keep the Momentum Going?
North Carolina has found its rhythm at the right time. The Tar Heels have won three straight games and are 10-6 in the ACC. Their 17-11 overall record keeps them in the mix for an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament, but they likely need to keep winning to secure their spot.
Freshman guard Ian Jackson has been a standout during this streak, averaging 17 points per game. He has been hot from three-point range, shooting 10-for-15 from deep over the last three games. The Tar Heels have also been strong on the offensive glass, reaching double digits in offensive rebounds in four straight games.
North Carolina’s defense has tightened up as well. The Tar Heels have focused on improving their attention to detail, particularly in rebounding and perimeter defense. Coach Hubert Davis credits the team’s recent success to better consistency and hustle on both ends of the floor.
Betting Prediction
North Carolina is a 2.5-point favorite on the road. The over/under is set at 156.5 points. The Tar Heels have been inconsistent against the spread this season, covering only 9 of their 28 games. However, they are in better form now, which could help them against a struggling Florida State team.
Florida State has been solid at home, covering the spread in 13 of their last 18 home games. However, North Carolina’s improved play and strong shooting from beyond the arc give them the edge. The predicted score is North Carolina 81, Florida State 74, with North Carolina covering the spread.
Pick: North Carolina Tar Heels -2.5
