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Florida State vs. Miami: Leonard Hamilton’s Final Rivalry Clash
As Florida State (15-10, 6-8 ACC) prepares to host Miami (6-19, 2-12 ACC) on Wednesday night in Tallahassee, the game carries extra weight beyond the ACC standings. Legendary head coach Leonard Hamilton, who announced his retirement earlier this month, will take the court for one last showdown against his former program.
Hamilton, 76, spent a decade (1990-2000) leading the Hurricanes before taking over at Florida State, where he has built a 23-year legacy. While the Seminoles sit tied for ninth in the ACC and likely need a deep conference tournament run to punch a ticket to March Madness, Miami is enduring one of its worst seasons in recent memory after longtime coach Jim Larrañaga’s unexpected retirement in December.
Key Players to Watch
Florida State – Jamir Watkins
The Seminoles’ top scoring threat, Watkins is averaging 18.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. The junior guard has been a consistent force, and his ability to take over games will be crucial against a struggling Miami defense.
Miami – Matthew Cleveland
A familiar name in Tallahassee, Cleveland transferred from FSU to Miami last season and has emerged as the Hurricanes’ leader, averaging 16.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. He’s no stranger to big moments in this rivalry—his buzzer-beating three-pointer last season lifted the Seminoles over Miami, 85-84, in one of the series’ most memorable finishes.
Betting Insight
Despite Miami’s poor record, the Hurricanes have shown some fight in recent weeks, going 2-2 in their last four with wins over Notre Dame and Syracuse. They’ve also kept games competitive against Louisville and Pitt. Meanwhile, FSU has been inconsistent, but with the added motivation of Hamilton’s farewell tour, expect the Seminoles to come out with energy.
The Bottom Line
Hamilton’s farewell adds an emotional element to an already heated rivalry. Florida State has the talent edge and Miami’s defense is one of the worst in the nation. competitive. Keep an eye on the spread for FSU -6.5 -130 for a value play.
