FSU pick, 3*
Really like this one. FSU still not getting the respect theyr deserve -- this should be FSU -3 IMO. UNC very talented but young and small, and also devoid of depth. FSU playing great defense and its best 2 players Joiner and Richardson are from NC so you know they would love to get a win here.
From the Tampa Tribune:
The Seminoles are doing it with defense, entering ranked either first or second in five statistical categories among ACC teams. FSU is ranked second nationally in field-goal percentage defense, holding opponents to an average 33.5- percent shooting, and third in scoring defense.
The Tar Heels, the youngest team in the league, are relying on a group of freshmen led by ACC-leading scorer Rashad McCants. His 20.0 scoring average is the best production for an ACC freshman in the last 12 years. UNC freshman point guard Raymond Felton is averaging 6.6 assists a game.
The Seminoles also are getting major contributions from newcomers. Junior-college transfer Tim Pickett leads the team in scoring (16.6), but also averages 3.7 steals and 5.6 rebounds a game.
But the biggest improvement at FSU, other than the won-loss record, has come from a pair of North Carolina natives - junior forward Michael Joiner leads the ACC in field-goal percentage (69 percent, 35-for-51) and sophomore forward Anthony Richardson (10.3 points, 5.7 rebounds) is third on the team in scoring.
