Clemson Tigers vs Florida State Seminoles Picks and Predictions January 11th 2025

Florida State Flying High Ahead of Big ACC Test at Clemson

Florida State heads into Saturday’s ACC clash at Clemson with momentum, having won four of its past five games. The Seminoles (11-4, 2-2 ACC) are fresh off an impressive 80-65 victory over Miami on Wednesday, fueled by unselfish basketball and a stellar team performance.

Florida State racked up 26 assists on 32 made field goals, a display that epitomized their focus on sharing the ball.

“That was a team effort, and that is what we’ve been working for all year,” FSU head coach Leonard Hamilton said.

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Key Players Driving FSU’s Success

Malique Ewin has been a game-changer for the Seminoles. He delivered 20 points and 10 rebounds against Miami, marking his third double-double of the season. Taylor Bol Bowen chipped in 16 points and six rebounds, while Jamir Watkins, the team’s leading scorer, added 10 points to extend his double-digit scoring streak to 12 games.

• Jamir Watkins: 18.7 points per game, 12 consecutive games with double-digit scoring.
• Malique Ewin: 13.7 points per game, a reliable inside presence.

Florida State is shooting 47.3 percent from the field this season and averages 14.5 assists per game. Their ability to combine efficient shooting with crisp ball movement will be crucial as they face a tough Clemson squad.

Clemson’s Challenge

Clemson (12-4, 4-1 ACC) is tied for second in the ACC standings but is looking to rebound from a 74-64 loss to Louisville on Tuesday. Head coach Brad Brownell expressed disappointment in his team’s effort in that game.

“I was disappointed in our quality of play,” Brownell said. “And that’s on your head coach. Your head coach has to have your team playing better.”

Despite the setback, Clemson boasts a strong home record (9-1 overall, 3-0 in ACC play) and features a potent one-two punch in Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin.

• Chase Hunter: 17.2 points per game, shooting 43.7 percent from 3-point range.
• Ian Schieffelin: 13.4 points per game, 10.8 rebounds per game (3.4 offensive).

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Keys to the Game

1. Ball Movement: Florida State’s ability to share the basketball will be crucial against a Clemson defense that thrives at home.
2. Rebounding Battle: Clemson’s Schieffelin, with his dominance on the boards, poses a significant challenge. Florida State must limit second-chance opportunities.
3. Perimeter Defense: Chase Hunter’s shooting from beyond the arc makes him a primary defensive target for the Seminoles.

The Matchup at a Glance

Both teams have strong records and contrasting strengths. Florida State’s recent surge and offensive balance will test Clemson’s stout home-court presence. For Clemson, bouncing back from a lackluster performance against Louisville is key to keeping pace in the competitive ACC standings.

Expect an intense, closely contested game as two teams with postseason aspirations collide.