Florida State vs. LSU: Preview, game thread, live updates

After a week-long break and a four-game winning streak, the Seminoles get their second non-conference SEC test in a matchup against the LSU Tigers in the annual ACC/SEC showdown. Both teams were expected to finish at the bottom of their conferences, but instead they raised eyebrows early in the season. The Tigers currently sit 51st in the NET rankings, giving the Seminoles another chance at a Quad 1 win tonight in a non-conference schedule that doesn’t give them many opportunities. ESPN Bet lists FSU as a 4.5-point underdog.

How can you watch?

FSU will play on the SEC Network at 9 p.m

What is at stake?

Like the football media, college basketball experts are arguing about the depth and quality of the SEC this season. Four SEC teams are ranked in the top ten and seven are ranked in the top 25. Of tonight’s 10 matchups, ESPN Bet lists only one ACC school as a favorite (Lousiville over Ole Miss). A few upsets would give the ACC more respect as the season progresses.

Tonight serves as a benchmark for these two teams in particular. Given their rankings on KenPom and the NET, they would be considered early teams in the bubble. A win for both sides could improve their chances of success down the stretch and lead to a top league win, something each side lacks.

Players to Watch:

G Cam Carter: Carter, a senior who transferred from Kansas State after two seasons at the Little Apple, quickly became the straw that broke the bank offensively for LSU. He leads the team with an average of 16.7 points per game, three-point percentage and minutes played. The 6-foot-11 Louisiana native dropped 20 points against his former team and UCF this season and recorded over 10 shot attempts in six of LSU’s seven games.

G: Dji Bailey: Bailey, a senior who spent the last four years at Richmond and helped lead the Spiders to the tournament two years ago, joins Carter as the only players to average over 30 minutes per game. He’s averaging just 9.7 points per game and shooting 61% from the free throw line, but he’s making his impact in other ways. He leads the team with more than three assists per game, and with a height of 1.90 meters, he averages more than one steal per game. He should get the Watkins job along with impressive freshman Cory Chest.

Statistics you should know:

1. LSU ranks 298th nationally in turnovers per game with over 14 per game, while FSU ranks 2nd with 18.6 forced turnovers per game.
2. Tonight could be a tough game with both teams ranked in the top 35 in defensive efficiency.
3. In that sense, the Tigers rank in the top 20 in the country with an opponent field goal percentage of just 37.5%, tied with Florida.

Best win: @Kansas State 76-65

Worst loss: vs. Pitt 63-74 (Neutral site, only loss of the season)

Share your prediction below and chat while you play!