FSU 62 Syracuse 66 The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
The Good
The end of an era. Yes, it was a loss and one a little sooner than FSU fans wanted. But there were a lot of high points over the last 23 years for this program under Leonard Hamilton in a place where basketball is not exactly a major attraction in a conference where it is very hard to compete against the likes of Duke and UNC. Thanks coach for some entertaining moments.
If there was ever a right time for a needed run by FSU, it was with the Seminoles trailing 50-34. with just over 12 minutes remaining. A 10-0 push by the 'Noles got them back in the game. Eventually closing the gap to one, 62-61, FSU had a chance of extending their season.
A broken record, Jamir Watkins once again and for the final time leading the scoring for the Seminoles with 16 points, 8 of those from the stripe. And just to end his FSU career with a flair, he added 11 boards for the double double as well.
The Bad
FSU's season ends with a 17-15 record, virtually the same as last season. It marks the fourth year in a row with no appearance in the NCAA tournament. Coming into the game, FSU was 4-0 in neutral site games. Make that 4-1.
At least the Seminoles had a lead at one point in the game. A 2-0 lead exactly 1:08 into the game. After that it was play catch up to the Orange.
Malique Ewin six points below his 14 ppg average. It was an off night for Ewin.
Normally at this one theater I can have the phone on the music stand and actually watch the game in between songs. Well, they decided to uncover the orchestra pit for this show thus making it a phone free pit. Hey, don't they know I am trying to follow a team here? BTW, I snuck one onto the stand anyway and was able to follow the score updates.
The Ugly
The 20-6 run by the 'Cuse to start the second half. Down by just four, 30-26, at the break, FSU's effort over the first seven minutes was less than stellar. Defensively the 'Noles were a sieve with Syracuse players knifing through easily into the lane and build that 50-34 lead.
Too much JJ Starling. In the regular season game won by FSU, Starling had 12 points on 5 of 16 shooting. Tonight he shot 12 of 23 for 27 points. He took just one three attempt. All the others were Starling driving through the Seminoles' defense right to the rim.
Three point shooting (gosh, we've never mentioned that before) with the 'Noles 2 of 10 and the 'Cuse 2 of 14 from behind the arc. In Syracuse's case, they started 2 of 2. And then proceeded to miss their next twelve attempts. Good for FSU. Still an ugly looking aspect to this game.
Up Next
Luke Loucks!!! It will be interesting to see what his staff looks like and who will be the core of his team.
The Good
The end of an era. Yes, it was a loss and one a little sooner than FSU fans wanted. But there were a lot of high points over the last 23 years for this program under Leonard Hamilton in a place where basketball is not exactly a major attraction in a conference where it is very hard to compete against the likes of Duke and UNC. Thanks coach for some entertaining moments.
If there was ever a right time for a needed run by FSU, it was with the Seminoles trailing 50-34. with just over 12 minutes remaining. A 10-0 push by the 'Noles got them back in the game. Eventually closing the gap to one, 62-61, FSU had a chance of extending their season.
A broken record, Jamir Watkins once again and for the final time leading the scoring for the Seminoles with 16 points, 8 of those from the stripe. And just to end his FSU career with a flair, he added 11 boards for the double double as well.
The Bad
FSU's season ends with a 17-15 record, virtually the same as last season. It marks the fourth year in a row with no appearance in the NCAA tournament. Coming into the game, FSU was 4-0 in neutral site games. Make that 4-1.
At least the Seminoles had a lead at one point in the game. A 2-0 lead exactly 1:08 into the game. After that it was play catch up to the Orange.
Malique Ewin six points below his 14 ppg average. It was an off night for Ewin.
Normally at this one theater I can have the phone on the music stand and actually watch the game in between songs. Well, they decided to uncover the orchestra pit for this show thus making it a phone free pit. Hey, don't they know I am trying to follow a team here? BTW, I snuck one onto the stand anyway and was able to follow the score updates.
The Ugly
The 20-6 run by the 'Cuse to start the second half. Down by just four, 30-26, at the break, FSU's effort over the first seven minutes was less than stellar. Defensively the 'Noles were a sieve with Syracuse players knifing through easily into the lane and build that 50-34 lead.
Too much JJ Starling. In the regular season game won by FSU, Starling had 12 points on 5 of 16 shooting. Tonight he shot 12 of 23 for 27 points. He took just one three attempt. All the others were Starling driving through the Seminoles' defense right to the rim.
Three point shooting (gosh, we've never mentioned that before) with the 'Noles 2 of 10 and the 'Cuse 2 of 14 from behind the arc. In Syracuse's case, they started 2 of 2. And then proceeded to miss their next twelve attempts. Good for FSU. Still an ugly looking aspect to this game.
Up Next
Luke Loucks!!! It will be interesting to see what his staff looks like and who will be the core of his team.
