Stanford Cardinal vs Florida State Seminoles Picks and Predictions January 25th 2025

Florida State Takes on Stanford and the Dominance of Maxime Raynaud

The Florida State Seminoles (13-6, 4-4 ACC) are set to conclude their West Coast swing with a challenging matchup against the Stanford Cardinal (13-6, 5-3 ACC) on Saturday afternoon. The Cardinal, powered by the stellar play of 7-foot-1 big man Maxime Raynaud, pose a significant test for Florida State’s defensive-minded squad.

Florida State: Seeking a Defensive Redemption

Coming off a 77-68 loss at Cal, the Seminoles are eager to bounce back and address key deficiencies, particularly their struggles on the boards. Against Cal, Florida State allowed a staggering 24 offensive rebounds, a glaring issue as they prepare to face Raynaud, one of the most dominant rebounders in Division I basketball.

Despite the rebounding struggles, Florida State remains a strong defensive team. They lead the ACC in blocks per game (5.5), thanks in large part to their length and athleticism. Coach Leonard Hamilton emphasized the importance of defense in keeping his team competitive in the ACC.

“To compete successfully against the coaches we’ve had to coach against, you’ve got to do something different to win games,” Hamilton said. “That’s what we have done, and that’s the kind of defensive-minded players we have recruited.”

On offense, Jamir Watkins leads the Seminoles with 18.5 points per game, while Malique Ewin contributes 14.3 points and 8.2 rebounds. Florida State will need significant contributions from both players to counter Raynaud’s dominance in the paint.

Stanford: Riding High on Raynaud’s Dominance

Stanford enters the matchup with momentum, having won four of its last five games, including a dominant 88-51 victory over Miami on Wednesday. Raynaud once again showcased his all-around brilliance in that game, tallying 28 points and 12 rebounds.

Raynaud leads the ACC in scoring (21.2 points per game) and rebounding (11.6 per game), while also topping the nation with 16 double-doubles, including five straight in conference play. His ability to control both ends of the court makes him a nightmare matchup for any opponent.

Complementing Raynaud are guards Jaylen Blakes (14.7 points per game) and Oziyah Sellers (13.9), who provide additional scoring punch. Stanford’s balance and ability to execute at a high level on their home floor have been key to their recent success.

Raynaud credited coach Kyle Smith for keeping the team focused, especially after an impressive road win at North Carolina earlier in the season.

“Coach talked about handling success,” Raynaud said. “Keep getting better. Sustain a (high) level and get better. And we just played that way (against Miami).”

Key Matchups

Maxime Raynaud vs. Florida State’s Interior Defense: Raynaud’s rebounding and scoring will test Florida State’s ability to protect the paint and limit second-chance opportunities.

Jamir Watkins vs. Stanford’s Perimeter Defense: Watkins will need to lead the Seminoles offensively, using his scoring ability to open up opportunities against Stanford’s defense.

Rebounding Battle: After a poor showing on the boards against Cal, Florida State must improve against a Stanford team that thrives on controlling possession through offensive rebounding.

Stakes

For Florida State, a win would help them stay competitive in the middle of the ACC standings while salvaging a split on their West Coast road trip. For Stanford, a victory would further solidify their place as a rising contender in the conference and extend their home dominance.

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Conclusion

Florida State will lean on its defensive principles and the scoring of Jamir Watkins as they aim to limit the impact of Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud. Meanwhile, the Cardinal look to maintain their momentum, with Raynaud and a balanced backcourt leading the charge. With both teams fighting for critical ACC wins, Saturday’s matchup promises to be an intense and physical contest.