UNC Basketball vs. FSU: Game preview, info, prediction and more

We preview the UNC Basketball game vs. Florida State on Saturday and what the Tar Heels need to do to beat the Seminoles

The North Carolina Tar Heels return to the court on Saturday, looking to continue their winning ways and ride that wave of momentum following a big win over Duke on Wednesday.

But the next test won’t be easy.

UNC welcomes in No. 16 Florida State to the Dean Dome for a Saturday afternoon showdown. The Seminoles currently have the longest win streak in the conference, winners of their last eight games and are in prime position for a double-bye in the ACC Tournament.

A disappointing buzzer-beating loss to Duke at home started a three-game losing streak for the Seminoles but since then they have quietly been very good in the ACC. Their eight game win streak has put them at 21-5 overall and 9-4 in conference play. More importantly, they have put themselves in position to earn that coveted double-bye.

Saturday’s showdown has some big implications atop the ACC standings. The Tar Heels are currently in a three-way tie with Duke and Virginia at 11-2 for first place.

A win for the Tar Heels helps them keep pace as the Blue Devils have a tough road game at Syracuse. The Cavaliers have a pretty easy schedule, so winning out might be a good option for UNC.

But it’s also worth noting that UNC can’t have a let down after a big win over Duke on Wednesday.

The rivalry game against Duke is always one that takes a lot of emotions out of the players, especially when they win. So for UNC to come out and not have a let down against a nationally-ranked conference opponent would be huge.

In that win over Duke, UNC dominated in the paint. They scored 62 of their 88 points in the paint and attacked the weakness as soon as Zion Williamson was out. UNC also shot 2-for-20 from the three-point line.

We are willing to bet neither of those things happens against Florida State.

UNC key to victory

Start off hot. I want to see the Tar Heels come out and shoot the ball well in front of the home crowd in the Dean Dome. Get out to a big lead and play your game.

We all know the Tar Heels love to run and I think they can do that against this Florida State team on Saturday but they also need to shoot the ball well. Points in the paint won’t be that easy to come by like they were against Duke, so being on their game and shooting the ball well will be key.

Cam Johnson continued his tear through the ACC, making 11 of his 17 attempts against Duke but fellow senior Kenny Williams struggled. Johnson should have another good game shooting-wise and UNC needs Williams to give them more.

Florida State key to victory

Control the paint. Like I mentioned above, don’t expect the Tar Heels to dominate in the paint vs. the Seminoles. Florida State is a much bigger team than the Blue Devils are and could give UNC some fits in the paint.

The Seminoles come into the game averaging 37.5 rebounds per game compared to UNC’s 42.7 on the season. If Florida State can limit the second chances for UNC and get some second chances of their own, that will go a long way to pulling off the upset.

Florida State also has 7-foot-4 center Christ Koumadje and 6-foot-10 forward Mfiondu Kabengele in the paint. The size advantage could go in the Seminole’s favor, forcing UNC to take a lot more perimeter shots. Both players are averaging over a block a game so far this season.

What you need to know

What? Florida State 21-5 (9-4) at UNC 21-5 (11-2)
When? Saturday, February 23, at 3:45 p.m. CT
Where? Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? CBS
Radio? Tar Heel Sports Network
All-Time Series? UNC leads series 49-13
Prediction? UNC 80, Florida State 77