Florida State Seminoles vs Pittsburgh Panthers Picks and Predictions January 15th 2025

Pitt brings ‘urgency’ into ACC clash with Florida State

Florida State and Pittsburgh are set to clash in a pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball game on Wednesday night in Tallahassee, Fla., as both teams look to reverse recent downward trends. The matchup carries significant implications for ACC standings and postseason aspirations.

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Florida State’s Quest for Stability

The Seminoles (11-5, 2-3 ACC) are coming off a tough 77-57 loss at Clemson and have yet to secure a victory this season against Quad 1 or Quad 2 opponents. Currently tied for ninth in the ACC, Florida State needs a win to build momentum in their first of back-to-back home games.

Head coach Leonard Hamilton emphasized the importance of leadership from key players like Malique Ewin, who has been a standout performer. Averaging 13.8 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, Ewin has delivered two consecutive double-doubles, showcasing his versatility as both a scorer and facilitator.

“Malique brings a different skill set to our team that we have not been accustomed to having with our center,” Hamilton said. “He’s an extremely good ball handler and passer. He makes great decisions with the ball.”

Despite Ewin’s consistency, Florida State’s struggles with scoring depth remain a concern. Beyond Jamir Watkins, the team’s top scorer at 18.2 points per game, no other player averages more than 8.9 points. This lack of balance has hindered their ability to compete against higher-tier teams.

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Pitt’s Sense of Urgency

The Panthers (12-4, 3-2 ACC), tied for sixth in the conference, are also seeking to rebound from consecutive losses to then-No. 4 Duke and Louisville. Head coach Jeff Capel has highlighted the team’s determination to address their recent struggles, particularly in rebounding.

“There is a sense of urgency,” Capel said earlier this week. “We don’t sweep it under the rug.”

Rebounding proved to be Pitt’s Achilles’ heel in their 82-78 loss to Louisville, where they were outrebounded 44-31 and allowed 17 offensive boards. To succeed on Wednesday, they’ll need stronger performances from Cameron Corhen, Guillermo Diaz Graham, and Ishmael Leggett, who average 5.8, 5.7, and 5.6 rebounds per game, respectively.

On the offensive end, Jaland Lowe leads Pitt with 17.2 points per game and is supported by a quartet of double-digit scorers. Lowe’s 24-point effort against Louisville underscores his ability to deliver under pressure.

Tactical Matchup

The Panthers boast the ACC’s third-best scoring offense, averaging 81.4 points per game, and have the firepower to exploit Florida State’s defensive vulnerabilities. The Seminoles’ perimeter defense was exposed in their loss to Clemson, where they allowed 13 three-pointers.

Conversely, Florida State will aim to capitalize on Pitt’s rebounding struggles. Ewin’s rebounding prowess and ability to initiate offense could give the Seminoles an edge on second-chance opportunities.

High Stakes and Implications

Both teams are vying to climb the ACC standings and improve their NCAA tournament prospects. Pitt, ranked No. 27 in the NCAA’s NET rankings, would secure a valuable Quad 1 win with a victory in Tallahassee. For Florida State, a win would break their 0-5 record against higher-tier opponents and provide much-needed confidence heading into their next home game.

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Key Players to Watch

• Florida State: Malique Ewin (13.8 PPG, 7.6 RPG), Jamir Watkins (18.2 PPG)
• Pittsburgh: Jaland Lowe (17.2 PPG), Cameron Corhen (5.8 RPG), Guillermo Diaz Graham (5.7 RPG)

Prediction

With both teams eager to halt their slides, the game could hinge on which side addresses its weaknesses more effectively. Pitt’s scoring depth and offensive tempo may test Florida State’s defense, while the Seminoles must dominate the boards and find secondary scoring to stay competitive.

As the ACC standings tighten, this game is poised to be a hard-fought battle with postseason implications on the line.

Conclusion

The urgency is palpable for both programs as they look to rebound from recent setbacks and solidify their positions in the ACC. Will Pitt’s high-powered offense prevail, or can Florida State capitalize on home-court advantage and rebounding dominance? Tune in on Wednesday night for a clash that could shape the trajectory of both teams’ seasons.