In their third consecutive Sweet 16 appearance, the No. 4 Florida State Seminoles lost to the top-ranked Michigan Wolverines, 76-58. Michigan advances to the Elite Eight to take on the UCLA Bruins, who upset Alabama.
First Half Recap
Let’s be honest, the game never seemed that close. Michigan jumped to an early 19-8 lead at the midway mark of the first period, and they never looked back. Hunter Dickinson, their dominant interior presence, and Chaundee Brown each scored seven points in the first half. The Seminoles were reliant on freshman Scottie Barnes, who had six points in the half. Florida State seemed to miss every shot during the period, ending with only 21 points. Although the Wolverines held an 11-point lead, it felt like a lot more. Their stout defense pretty much sealed the deal.
Second Half Recap
In the second half, the efficiency and flow of Michigan’s offense were outstanding. Michigan ended with nearly twice the assists of the Seminoles. However, both teams continued to struggle from the 3-point line, but the Wolverines shot 50% from the field. Florida State gave their all, no doubt about it. In the end, turnovers continued to kill their possessions. M.J. Walker scored 10 points in his last game as a Seminole, and Malik Osborne ended with double-figures. The sloppy play put Florida State in foul trouble, as RaiQuan Gray, Walker, and Barnes all ended with four fouls.
Key Contributors for the Seminoles
Malik Osborne put the team on his back, finishing with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Scottie Barnes had 8 points, but he only scored two in the 2nd half. Anthony Polite was effective on the defensive end, forcing three steals. Unfortunately, the Seminoles needed a game from Polite similar to his performance against Colorado. M.J. Walker had an apparent ankle injury with 15 minutes left, but he gave a valiant effort when he returned. This Michigan team is balanced and well-coached by Juwan Howard, nothing to be ashamed of for Florida State.
Key Contributors for the Wolverines
Guard Franz Wagner finished with a double-double scoring 13 points and grabbing 10 boards. He was also a playmaker in the second half, racking up five assists in total. Hunter Dickinson yet again tied for the most points in the game, matched by the junior from East Lansing: Brandon Johns Jr. Chaundee Brown shot 5 of 6 from the field, finishing with 12 points. The fact that four players scored in double figures, paired with the Wolverines’ defense in the 1st half, guaranteed their victory. Currently, Michigan is giving a good push for the national title, peaking at the right time.
Concluding Thoughts
The Seminoles’ season comes to a close, capped off by a loss in the ACC tournament to Georgia Tech and a Sweet 16 exit. That being said, there is no need to worry. Florida State will be right back in the dance and make another run for the Final Four next year. They landed three top-60 prospects in the 2021 recruiting class, also adding a highly ranked JUCO transfer. There will have to be improvements made on the offensive end by Leonard Hamilton if they want to get to the next level. Once again, impeccable play by the Michigan Wolverines. They are an elite program and will continue their journey to the Elite Eight for the fourth time in 8 years.