It is shaping up to be a big weekend in Tallahassee. The Florida State football team ended their 6-game losing streak to the Florida Gators on Saturday and on Sunday will look to continue their dominance on the hardwood as they face the Gators in Men’s College Basketball action.
Florida (4-1) enters the game as the 16th ranked team in the country, but has not had much success in Tallahassee as of late where they have lost four straight. They did hand the Noles a 68-52 loss last November at home, but have struggled on the road against FSU. This marks a big stretch for Florida State where they have to turn right around and face No. 3 Ohio State on Tuesday.
“We’ve just got to go out there and take advantage of this unique and special opportunity we have with the University of Florida coming in to play us on Sunday,” coach Leonard Hamilton said. “We can’t enjoy the luxury of looking past them to the second game. First things first.”
The Noles have jumped out to 5-0 to start the season and are led by Chris Singleton who has four straight double-doubles heading into Sunday’s showdown. He’s averaging 17.4 points and is shooting 54.9 percent from the field.
FSU is averaging 83.6 points per game while only allowing 60.4. To accompany Singleton, Florida State does have experience that will be huge. They have gotten great play from their big men and point guard Derwin Kitchens has been solid this season. But Sunday, they will face their toughest test of the season.
Florida will be playing in their first road game after coming off two lackluster performances at home. They beat Florida Atlantic 79-66 on Tuesday, but struggled two days earlier where they managed just a 61-55 win over Morehead State. Their only loss on the year is to Ohio State.
The Gators are averaging 79.4 points per game and have four players averaging in double figures. Sophomore guard Kenny Boynton leads this group with 15.6. They are allowing 65.8 points per game defensively and will be tested again by the Noles.
Florida State will enter the game as 4 point favorites according to NCAA Basketball sportsbooks.
