Florida State Seminoles vs Louisville Cardinals Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Louisville Looks to Regain Form Against Florida State

Louisville takes to the road for the second consecutive game, facing Florida State on Saturday in Tallahassee, Fla., as both teams seek a fresh start in Atlantic Coast Conference play.

Cardinals in “Rediscovery” Mode

Louisville (6-5, 0-1 ACC) is coming off a competitive 93-85 loss to then-No. 5 Kentucky last Saturday. Despite the loss, coach Pat Kelsey has focused on reshaping the team’s approach, especially after injuries reduced the rotation from a planned 10 players to just seven.

Kelsey said the Cardinals are in a state of “rediscovery,” aiming to optimize their strategy under these constraints. One adjustment has been to slow the pace slightly, though not drastically.

“Our pace has definitely changed a little bit, but that doesn’t mean we’re ‘Hut, hut, hike,’ huddling it up, walking up, and running a set play every time,” Kelsey said.

Louisville averages 72.1 possessions per game, ranking 136th nationally, according to TeamRankings.com. By reducing trips up the court, the team hopes to maximize efficiency and manage its depth better.

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Chucky Hepburn, the team’s leading scorer at 15.2 points per game, also anchors Louisville’s defense, topping the ACC with three steals per game. Terrence Edwards Jr. has stepped up offensively, averaging 22 points over his last three contests to lift his season average to 13.8.

Seminoles Navigating Depth Challenges

Florida State (9-3, 0-1) enters Saturday’s game on a two-game winning streak, including an 82-64 victory over Winthrop on Tuesday. However, coach Leonard Hamilton noted that the team’s depth remains a concern, especially with five freshmen contributing significant minutes.

“We need them to contribute in some way so we can keep everybody fresh,” Hamilton said. “The success of our team and our season has a lot to do with how fast we bring on freshmen.”

The Seminoles are led by Jamir Watkins, whose 19.1 points per game rank third in the ACC. Watkins has been instrumental in keeping Florida State competitive, though the team’s young roster has faced growing pains, particularly in its 84-74 overtime loss to NC State earlier this month.

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Key Matchups

1. Chucky Hepburn vs. Jamir Watkins
   Hepburn’s defensive prowess and Watkins’ scoring ability could define the game. If Hepburn can disrupt Watkins’ rhythm, Louisville could limit Florida State’s offensive efficiency.
2. Louisville’s Adjusted Pace vs. Florida State’s Pressure
   The Cardinals’ shift to a slower pace will be tested by Florida State’s aggressive defensive style. Both teams will need to dictate tempo to gain the upper hand.
3. Bench Contributions
   With both teams grappling with depth challenges, contributions from reserves will be critical. Florida State’s freshmen and Louisville’s shortened rotation will have to step up.

What’s at Stake

Both teams are seeking their first conference win of the season, making this game pivotal in building momentum for the ACC grind ahead. For Louisville, it’s an opportunity to capitalize on recent offensive improvements. For Florida State, a win would reinforce the progress of their young core.

The clash of styles—Louisville’s calculated pace versus Florida State’s pressure defense—adds intrigue to a matchup that could set the tone for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the season.