With both teams currently slated to miss the NCAA Tournament, Florida State and Clemson will be fighting for their lives Thursday night. The Seminoles (9-9) enter as the No. 6 seed, while the Tigers (5-13) come in at No. 11.
No. 6 Florida State vs. No. 11 Clemson preview: The ACC Tournament kicks off in Greensboro
Florida State looks to defend its ACC Tournament Title and launch themselves into the NCAA Tournament
Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Florida State has won three of four, with wins over Virginia and NC State to close out the regular season. They appear NIT bound, but would love nothing more than to cruise to their second straight ACC Tournament title, having upset Duke and North Carolina last season.
After a 4-4 start in ACC play, Clemson fell back to Earth and finished the regular season on a 1-9 run. Two of their season losses came at the hands of the Seminoles, but only by a combined eight points.
Both squads rely on seniors, as Florida State's Michael Snaer (14.5 PPG) and Clemson's Devin Booker (13.2 PPG, 7.6 RPG) have carried their teams this season. The 'Noles - like every year - are tough up front, with Okaro White and Kiel Turpin averaging over a block per game, with Turpin averaging 1.3 in just over 15 minutes. But the Tigers are no slouch around the rim, with K.J. McDaniels averaging 2.1 BPG and Booker chipping in 1.2.
This game will be won and lost on the boards, and if Florida State can keep Booker off the offensive glass they would take the first step toward a miracle run to The Big Dance.
Game Time, TV: 9 p.m. ET, ESPNU/WatchESPN
Location: Greensboro Coliseum, Greensboro, NC
More: For more on Florida St., head over to Tomahawk Nation. For more on Clemson, check out Shakin’ The Southland.
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