The Daily Nole

The Daily Nole — March 21, 2019: FSU Hoops Opens NCAA Tournament vs. Vermont

Jeremy Esbrandt/D'Vel Photography/FSU athletics

It’s Thursday, Florida State fans. As you get ready for the NCAA Tournament, keep it here for the latest in FSU athletics. The news and notes section of this post will be updated throughout the day.

Lead Story

Florida State basketball will look to extend its season and set a new program record for wins on Thursday afternoon as it takes on American East champion Vermont in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in Hartford. FSU, the No. 4 seed in the West Region, is 27-7 on the season while the 13th-seeded Catamounts are 27-6.

Vermont topped Maryland-Baltimore County to win the American East title and are in the tournament for the seventh time. Its only win outside of the First Four was an upset of fourth-seeded Syracuse in the No. 4 vs. 13 match-up in 2005.

Vermont is led by forward Anthony Lamb, who averages 21.4 points per game and nearly eight rebounds while shooting 52 percent from the field and 37 percent from deep. In addition to the junior Lamb, guards Ernie Duncan and Stef Smith each average in double-figures for the Catamounts.

FSU reached the ACC Championship where it fell to Duke on Saturday night and is in the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season as an at-large. Despite not starting a game, ACC Sixth Man of the Year, Mfiondu Kabengele, leads the Seminoles in scoring at 12.9 points per game. Guards Terance Mann and Trent Forrest are two other players to watch, although FSU could be without forward Phil Cofer, who is a game-time decision.

The Seminoles topped the Catamounts 76-67 in the Vermont Classic in December 1976 in the only prior meeting. Thursday’s contest begins at 2 p.m. EST and airs on TBS.

Between the Lines

FSU baseball rallied past Florida International 9-6 on Wednesday. FSU softball defeated North Florida 9-1 in five innings. FSU women’s swimming and diving began the NCAA Championships.

On the Agenda

In addition to the NCAA Tournament, FSU women’s swimming and diving will continue the NCAA Championships on Thursday.

News and Notes

FSU is currently an 8.5-point favorite over Vermont.

FSU hoops defeated Vermont in the first round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday, 76-69.

What You May Have Missed From The Daily Nole

Mendoza’s Blast Lifts FSU Past FIU, 9-6
Preview: What FSU Looks Like Heading Into the Tournament
FSU Track and Field: Seminoles Claim Four Indoor Honors
The Daily Nole — March 20, 2019: FSU Softball’s Herzog, Bilodeau No-Hit Rattlers

Mike Ferguson is the editor of The Daily Nole. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson

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