Miami-Florida State Basketball PREVIEW

There is honestly no better way to kick off this new blog with a preview of the latest installment of one of the greatest rivalries in college sports, Miami-Florida State. After a come-from-behind win over Clemson topped by a Michael Snaer game-winning 3, the Seminoles (11-7, 3-2 ACC) head to Coral Gables to face the red-hot #25 Hurricanes (14-3, 5-0 ACC), coming off of a packed-house whopping of #1 Duke Wednesday night. If y'all are having trouble remembering 90-63 Hurricane Andrew-esque destruction of the Blue Devils, I'll just remind you that this happened:

Then this happened:

And then this happened:

But now the Hurricanes must regroup and continue their conquest for ACC domination against their most hated rivals Sunday at 6pm in the Bank United Center, four days after arguably the biggest win in the school's basketball history. Usually teams come out a bit flat after a season-defining win like the Canes had against the Dukies, but thanks to convenient scheduling Miami should come out fired up against their rivals.

On the flip side of the coin, however, Florida State should also come out like somebody shot their dog and the high-emotions will probably keep the game closer than the talent disparity suggests. Led by senior guard Michael Snaer and sophomore Terry Whisnant II, the Seminoles will most likely be looking to beat the Hurricanes the same way Arizona did in the Diamond Head Classic in Hawaii over the Holidays: overcoming the Canes' solid perimeter defense by merely shooting threes over them and penetrating the lane. Mark Lyons shot 7-12 in that game and scored 19, and Snaer will be looking to have a similar output if he wants even the remotest chance of stealing a victory down in South Florida.

However, the Canes have also been out-rebounded 92-120 (according to State of the U) in their three losses this season, and with the return of big man Reggie Johnson and the excellent rebounding efforts of Julian Gamble, Kenny Kadji, and Tonye Jekiri, Miami should easily handle Florida State's big men on the boards. 

So expect Shane Larkin to do that thing where he breaks someone's ankles before spotting up and draining a three, Kenny Kadji to easily out-maneuver lesser athletes down low, and Reggie Johnson to slowly come back to playing shape and dominate the 'Noles down low with Julian Gamble. I don't expect this to be too much of a problem for the Canes once emotions calm down and the game gets settled in, so I predict a nice 72-59 little thrashing of our lovely rivals. Expect a top-15 ranking for the Hurricanes when polls come out Monday. 

Tickets have sold out for the second game in a row and the third time BUC history, so if you're not a student and not going to the game make sure to tune into ESPNU at 6pm.