ACC Roundup - Miami, FSU Both Lose

It was a bad night for the Southern Tier of the ACC as Miami and Florida State both fell from the unbeaten ranks.

Villanova knocked off FSU 66-60 in the Advocare Invitational and Miami lost to Seton Hall 83-81.

No shame in losing to Villanova of course, but FSU could have caught them struggling as they were recently.

Didn’t happen obviously and ‘Nova dealt with FSU’s defense well, shooting 53.5% overall and only having 12 turnovers.

Mfiondu Kabengele, nephew of Dikembe Mutombo, continues to impress. He only scored 11 in this game but no one else for FSU managed more than 11. He could get more rebounds, but he’s averaging 12 ppg and about four rebounds. He’s getting better.

Michael Nzei hit 8-8 for Seton Hall to lead the Pirates past Miami.

The ‘Canes forced a turnover and could have won but missed a three down by one. Why a three? Maybe that’s all they could get. But not a smart choice otherwise.

Chris Lykes has yet to score less than 18 which is what he got in this one. Zach Johnson matched him and Anthony Lawrence got 17.

Maybe the turkey got to us but we missed a surprising story this week as Notre Dame tri-captain and senior Elijah Burns bailed on Notre Dame: he’s transferring to Siena after the semester and expects to play immediately (as a grad transfer he should be able to).

That leaves him two semesters we think which is weird since one will be this spring and the logical one would be next fall. Or will he stop after the season?

Very odd.

We normally talk about the upcoming games here but we’ve already posted info and links about the ACC-Big Ten Challenge separately.