Pitt-Florida State Open Game Thread

Opponent: #11 Florida State

Conference: ACC

Current Record: 13-3 (1-2)

Last Game: Jan. 12, 78-80 L vs Duke

2017 Season: 23-12 (9-9) 8th

Key Losses: G Braian Angola-Rodas (12.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.0 apg, graduation) G CJ Walker (8.0 ppg, transfer)

Key Players: G Terrance Mann (11.6 ppg, 6.3 rpg), F Mfiondu Kabengele (12.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg), G Trent Forest (9.4 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.5 apg)

Florida State is huge. They throw out a starting lineup of 6’4”, 6’5”, 6’5”, 6’6” and 7’4” with their leading scorer, 6’10” Kabengele, coming off the bench. On defense they protect the rim (no kidding), and on offense they run. No team in the ACC played faster than FSU last year.

Last Meeting: Feb 18, 2018 Pitt 75 FSU 88

What we said in the recap: “Jared Wilson-Frame and Shamiel Stevenson led Pitt with 17 each while Parker Stewart had 16. Jonathan Milligan added 12 and Pitt shot 50% from the field for the game. The offense, which hasn’t been there much of this year, was actually there today and Pitt still lost by double digits.”

Man, last year was bad.

Prediction: Johnson and McGowens more recently, have shown that they can get into the lane against any opponent, regardless of size. The concern for Pitt will be avoiding foul trouble. In last year’s meeting, Florida State made 29 free throws to Pitt’s 15, which was pretty close to the final deficit. The Seminoles will continue to attack the rim, so Pitt has to hope for a loose whistle from the refs or they’re in for a long night. Pitt 66 FSU 72

Hail to Pitt.