Sometimes a bounce-back victory can do more than just help a team regroup in a time of need.
For the No. 15 Florida State men’s basketball team that fell out of the top 10 after two double-digit losses to unranked teams, the Seminoles believe their recent win over rival Miami has helped them rediscover themselves.
“I think we kinda lost our identity for a couple of games,” FSU coach Leonard Hamilton said Friday. “We had to get back to who we are in executing all those little things that are necessary for you to win.”
The Seminoles hope to continue playing with the same moxie at home against Clemson on Sunday afternoon they found at Miami after their longest skid of the season — losses at Georgia Tech and Syracuse.
FSU (19-4, 7-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) sits in second place behind North Carolina in the league standings with nine games remaining in the regular season — five at home and four on the road. The Seminoles own the 7-3 tiebreaker over Virginia and Louisville.
Florida State is in pursuit of a top-four seed in the conference tournament, which would afford them a first-round bye. More important, FSU is trying to clinch its first NCAA Tournament berth since winning the conference in 2012.
Hamilton said the difference between his current crop of Seminoles, which is 3-3 in their last six games, and his title-winning team is experience.
Instead of luxury six experienced seniors provided the team in 2012, the Seminoles’ roster is filled with more underclassmen that upperclassmen. As the season progresses, Hamilton said his team has not yet formed the practice habits the Seminoles consistently need to play with to achieve their goals for the season.
“We’re not as consistent with our habits as we would like to be, and that’s probably been the most challenging thing about coaching this team,” Hamilton said. “The effort is good. The focus is good. But some of the things that we ask them to do are not habits yet.”
What Hamilton’s 2017 team has over its 2012 counterpart is size, length, depth, and top-heavy experience. The Seminoles have built an impressive resume this season, highlighted by victories against six ranked teams this season, two more than the previous four seasons combined.
FSU hosts Clemson, then NC State on Wednesday before finishing the regular season with four of six games on the road.
FSU came out on top while UCF turned in a solid effort. Florida rallied and USF made a huge comback from the bottom of the ladder.
FSU came out on top while UCF turned in a solid effort. Florida rallied and USF made a huge comback from the bottom of the ladder.
FSU came out on top while UCF turned in a solid effort. Florida rallied and USF made a huge comback from the bottom of the ladder.
FSU came out on top while UCF turned in a solid effort. Florida rallied and USF made a huge comback from the bottom of the ladder.
Five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson announced his commitment to FSU on Wednesday afternoon.
Five-star defensive tackle Marvin Wilson announced his commitment to FSU on Wednesday afternoon.
Jimbo Fisher recaps FSU’s 2017 signing day
Jimbo Fisher recaps FSU’s 2017 signing day
Florida State offensive lineman Ethan Ardith speaks to media on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017.
Florida State offensive lineman Ethan Ardith speaks to media on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017.
Football recruit Levi Jones picks USC over FSU, UF on National Signing Day
Football recruit Levi Jones picks USC over FSU, UF on National Signing Day
Email Safid Deen at sdeen@orlandosentinel.com. Follow him on Twitter at @osfsu or @Safid_Deen and like our Florida State Facebook page for the latest updates on the Seminoles.
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