This Saturday, legendary FSU basketball coach Leonard Hamilton takes the court for what could be his final game at the Tucker Center, aiming to secure his 200th ACC win as the Seminoles face off against the SMU Mustangs. With the game marking Senior Day, Hamilton has the chance to end his iconic career in Tallahassee on a high note, giving his seniors a victory to remember in their final home game.
At 16-14, the Seminoles have been in a tough stretch, losing their last four games. But the spotlight is now firmly on Hamilton, stuck at 199 ACC wins, with just one shot left to hit the milestone that would cement his place in history.
FSU enters the matchup as slight underdogs, with SMU favored by just 2.5 points. The Mustangs, boasting an impressive 22-8 record, bring an explosive offense, averaging 81.5 points per game and shooting an impressive 48% from the field. With sharp three-point shooting and a strong rebounding game, they present a formidable challenge for the Noles.
However, FSU isn’t backing down without a fight. Despite recent struggles against top-tier teams like Clemson, Louisville, and Duke, the Seminoles have shown resilience. Still, overcoming SMU’s firepower will require them to tighten up their defense and avoid the big lapses that have plagued them this season, especially beyond the arc.
Will Malique Ewin return to the lineup to give FSU the boost they need? His presence could be a game-changer in the final home game of the season. Whether or not Ewin plays, the Seminoles will rely on the energy of the Tucker Center crowd and the legacy of Coach Hamilton to fuel them towards a historic finish.
Don’t miss the action—tune in to see if Leonard Hamilton can achieve his 200th ACC win, with the game set to tip off at 4 p.m. ET on ESPNU. This is a game you won’t want to miss!
