Kasey Lynch and Miranda Mauro (K&M) are out to prove that sports aren’t just for the male gender. Every week we will be giving you updates on what’s going on in the sports world as well as our own perspective on sports-related topics. “Two Girls and Some Sports” is taking the sports column to the next level. And yes, we know what we’re talking about.
This past Saturday, Florida State Men’s Basketball took on 20th-ranked Pittsburgh in a home game that ended in tears. This was FSU’s third ranked opponent in under a week. After an exciting last Sunday night against 13th-ranked Virginia where FSU toped them 69-62, the Seminoles lost to both 17th-ranked Louisville with a score of 84-65, and Pittsburgh with a score of 74-72. FSU’s record is now 12-7 overall, and 2-7 in the ACC.
The FSU men’s team put up quite the battle in an exciting game on Saturday, when they only lost by a mere two points. For all of you who do not follow basketball, that is just one basket to tie the game, worth two points, or a three-pointer, taken from or behind the three-point line, to win the game. FSU was leading by ten at the half, after completely dominating with a score of 43-33. The second half was when the game started to take its toll, with FSU scoring only 29 points and Pitt taking control by scoring 41 points.
Just because we got the “L” does not mean that the ‘Noles did not perform; this was some of the best basketball that the team has played all season. The defense also shined, forcing 16 turnovers throughout the game, and leading in rebounds with 32. There were also several players who were completely on fire the entire game. Number five, Malik Beasley, led the team with a total of 16 points. He also went seven for seven when shooting, which means he did not miss a single basket. Beasley was followed in points by number 22, Xavier Rathan-Mayes, with 14 points. Number four and fan-favorite Dwayne Bacon scored 12 points.
Courtesy: Miranda Mauro
Florida State Basketball still has plenty of opportunities to prove themselves, with 11 conference games still left to play. This past week of games has shown that they are just as much of a contender as other teams, and that they have the skills and the players necessary to win. This team has the confidence and the ability to make it happen; they just need to come together and do it. The Seminoles proved, in this thrilling battle against Pittsburgh, that they are a very talented team. This game will definitely be one that the team remembers. But, they should remember how well they performed rather, than the heartbreaking loss.
I think that the basketball team always performs better when they draw in a crowd. It is important to support such a talented group of guys. Whether you put on your bacon costume, or just sit in the stands and cheer the team on, they need us. This team has outstanding potential, and I think that they continue to prove themselves with each game played, even the losses.. They never cease to put on an exciting game, and there is plenty of talent to do so. FSU does not face the easiest schedule coming up, but that does not mean that they won’t put up a fight and turn these heartbreaking L’s into heartwarming W’s.
Below is the Florida State Men’s Basketball schedule for the rest of the year. Be sure to come out and cheer on your ‘Noles!
1/26 at Boston College: 7:00 p.m.
1/30 vs Clemson: 12:00 p.m.
2/1 vs NC State: 9:00 p.m.
2/6 at Wake Forest: 12:00 p.m.
2/11 at Syracuse: 7:00 p.m.
2/14 vs Miami: 6:30 p.m.
2/17 vs Georgia Tech: 9:00 p.m.
2/20 at Virginia Tech: 3:00 p.m.
2/25 at Duke: 7:00 p.m.
2/27 vs Notre Dame: Time TBA
3/5 vs Syracuse: Time TBA