TALLAHASSEE, Florida – – The state of Florida had two weeks to think of a December 29 defeat at Clemson, when the season was interrupted by coronavirus protocols, and the Seminoles took the opportunity to reevaluate and adjust.
They are certainly rolling now, winning four games in a row – three of them by double digits.
Ferry Koprivica had 13 points and 10 rebounds in his first double-double career, and the State of Florida withdrew early and defeated Clemson number 20 by 80-61 on Saturday.
Sardaar Calhoun added the best 13 points of the season for Florida State (9-2, 5-1 Atlantic Coast Conference). Calhoun, a student transferred to college, scored 4 out of 5 points out of 3 points.
“We are better than we played before,” said RaiQuan Gray, who scored 11 points. “We feel that we are the best team in the country and we want to go out every night to prove it. Just checking everyone off the list. Next. This is our mentality going forward. “
John Newman III scored 12 points for Clemson (9-4, 3-4), who lost three games in a row.
The state of Florida used a 15-2 run early in the first half to take a 24-9 lead with 9:16 until the break. The Seminoles avoided dribbling, a big factor in Clemson’s victory over them in December, and managed a 42-24 lead at halftime.
“I think, in general, we have been working hard to defend the aid side,” said Koprivica, a 2-meter-tall pivot. “That was one of our weaknesses. It’s starting to show a little more with each game. “
In the first half, Clemson had more spins (seven) than shots (4 of 24). The Tigers made 14 of 16 on the free-throw line, which helped keep them in play before the Seminoles scored in the second half. Florida State leads 38 with 11:20 remaining in the game.
Clemson hit 17 out of 56 (30.4%) off the ground and 5 out of 30 (16.7%) out of the 3-point streak. The Tigers’ three straight losses – to Virginia, Georgia Tech and Florida State – were double digits.
“Obviously, we have to fix this,” said Clemson coach Brad Brownell. “I think there are guys in this locker room who care enough to do that. … We didn’t play very well and these teams made us pay. We lost a little confidence. “
The state of Florida hit 29 out of 60 (48.3%) on the ground and 12 out of 28 (42.9%) in the 3-point range. The Seminoles have been 4-0 since they spent two weeks between games due to coronavirus protocols, winning victories over NC State, North Carolina, Louisville and Clemson.
INJURED SEMINOLS
MJ Walker, the top scorer in the state of Florida, scored 10 points but was injured after being hit by teammate Tanor Ngom. Walker was visibly unstable, as he needed help from teammates to walk to the Seminole locker room. Hamilton said Walker looked “OK” after an initial assessment in the locker room.
Anthony Polite, who has lost the last two games, will be out for another week or two due to a shoulder strain, Hamilton said.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
After a third consecutive defeat, Clemson is likely to move out of the Top 25. The state of Florida is 4-0 in the past 11 days and could skip receiving votes for qualifying on Monday when the new poll is released.
LEARNING
Clemson missed badly in the 3-point gap at the start, hitting only 2 of 16 (12.5%) shots beyond the arc in the first half. Tigers lost by double digits for most of the game and were unable to reach them.
The state of Florida showed its depth with 11 marked players, avenging a 77-67 defeat at Clemson on December 29. The Seminoles have not lost to Clemson in Tallahassee since February 4, 2015.
NEXT
Clemson will host Boston College on Tuesday.
The state of Florida will host Miami on Wednesday.
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