As Miami hosts Florida State on January 20, the Hurricanes are looking to build on their solid 16-4 record and strengthen their grip on a tournament berth. With a NET ranking of 36 and a quad record of 1-3 Q1, 3-0 Q2, 3-1 Q3, and 9-0 Q4, Miami is solidly in the tournament field, but a win over Florida State would be a valuable Quad 1 victory for the Seminoles. Florida State, on the other hand, is desperate for quality wins to boost their tournament resume, having struggled to a 1-7 Q1 record and a NET ranking of 113.
The Seminoles are currently mired in a 3-game losing streak, and their recent form doesn't inspire confidence. Meanwhile, Miami has been trending upward, with two wins in their last three games. According to the CHD Scout prediction, Miami is favored to win by 13.1 points, with an 87.7% win probability. This prediction seems reasonable, given the significant disparity in the teams' recent performance and tournament context.
CHD Scout Prediction
Florida State
72
Miami
86
With Miami heavily favored, a win would be expected, but it would also provide a much-needed boost to their tournament seeding. For Florida State, a victory would be a significant upset and a crucial step towards building a tournament-worthy resume. Given the Hurricanes' strong recent form and the Seminoles' struggles, I predict Miami will win by a comfortable margin, likely covering the 12.5-point spread. The Hurricanes' offense, which has been clicking in recent games, should be able to overpower the Seminoles' defense, leading to a double-digit victory.