[Cracked Sidewalks] Warriors face Seminoles for Old Spice Classic title

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Warriors face Seminoles for Old Spice Classic title

Written by: noreply@blogger.com (Tim Blair)

Following a pair of surprising wins over Xavier and Michigan, Buzz Williams' crew will go for its third upset in as many outings when Marquette takes on Florida State tonight at 6:30pm on ESPN2.

FSU is 5-1 and advanced to the Old Spice Classic title game by beating Iona and Alabama.  The Seminoles rely on a deep, balanced attack, with four players averaging between 9 and 11 points per outing. Nine Seminoles average at least 19 minutes per outing, highlighted by a deep frontline that enables the 'Noles to dominate the glass and to block nearly 9 shots per game.

Leonard Hamilton's bunch is paced by 6'9" sophomore forward Chris Singleton who leads the team with 11 points and 8 rebounds per outing.   Former MU recruit Michael Snaer is contributing six points per outing and nailing 67% of his three point attempts.

Marquette will rely on the terrific tandem of Lazar Hayward and Jimmy Butler to set the pace in tonight's game.  The prolific duo averages a combined 36 points and 13 rebounds per outing.  While Hayward's consistent production is no surprise to Marquette fans, Butler has been a revelation in the season's early stages.  The Texas native is hitting a remarkable 65% from the field and is one of the nation's premier offensive rebounders.  A full 45% of Butler's rebounds are secured on the offensive glass.

Of course Hayward and Butler are the beneficiaries of improved guard play from David Cubillan and Maurice Acker.  In addition the official Marquette game notes point out that newcomers Dwight Buycks and Darius Johnson-Odom are combining to contribute 19 points and nearly 8 rebounds per game. The pair is shooting nearly 46 percent from the field and 47 percent from behind the 3-point line.

Media links
GoMarquette.com official game notes
Rosiak blogs his preview for the title game
The Talahassee Democrat profiles Solomon Alabi, the 'Noles 7'1" big man.  Their biggest fella is good for 10 points and 6 rebounds per game so far this season.

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