Playing a No. 1 team brings a heightened level of focus. When it is at home, it’s even sweeter to have the crowd in your corner.

Florida State is also well aware of the tall task that awaits, a matchup against top-ranked Florida that has a deep and experienced frontcourt.

“Especially with the way Florida plays, the toughest team and the most disciplined team will win,” FSU coach Luke Loucks said. “That comes down to really rebounding and paint defense. They’re a team that bullies a lot of teams in the paint, especially on the glass. If you let them do it, it’s going to be a long night.

“Our guys understand the game plan. Obviously it’s more nuanced than just that but if you check those boxes you’re going to have a chance against anyone, including Florida.”

FSU is 2-0 after a pair of wins over Florida A&M and Troy. But the exhibition matchups against Auburn and especially LSU, with an experienced frontcourt, should help prepare FSU big men like Marcis Ponder, Alex Steen and Cooper Schwieger for Tuesday.

FSU has not hosted a No. 1 team since Duke on Jan. 12, 2019. The Seminoles’ last win over a No. 1 at home came against Duke in January 2011, when current assistant coach Derwin Kitchen helped the Seminoles to a 66-61 win with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

“There’s only a few times a year you get these opportunities where you play top-5, top-10 teams,” Loucks said. “They feel different. It’s going to be a sellout. There’s a lot of excitement in the community. … Playing the No. 1 team in your house is always special. I’ve been a part of a few of these games as a player. I coached in a few of these games, obviously playing Duke in the ACC Tournament when they were No. 1 last year.”

FSU came up just short in March, falling 80-79 to Duke in Charlotte.

Here are some key stats about the Seminoles and Gators:

No. 1 Florida (2-0) at Florida State (2-0)

Time / TV: Tuesday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2

Coaches: Luke Loucks is 20-15 in his second year at FSU. Todd Golden is 105-41 in his fifth year at Florida.

KenPom rankings: FSU has moved up to 56th (seventh among ACC schools). Florida is No. 2 (Duke is No. 1).

Series: Florida has won five straight vs. FSU, including a 78-76 win at Gainesville in November 2025. Previously, FSU had won seven straight in the series.

FSU stat leaders: Sebastian Rancik (21.5 points, 57.1 percent from floor), Marcis Ponder (back-to-back double-doubles, 12.5 points, 10.5 rebounds), Kam Taylor (15 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3 assists), Brandon Bass (10.5 points), Shon Abaev (13 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6 assists), Alex Steen (6.5 points, 5 rebounds), Anthony Robinson II (11 points, 5.5 rebounds).

Florida stat leaders: 6-9 F Thomas Haugh (16.5 points, 8.5 rebounds), 6-10 C Rueben Chinyelu (13.5 points, 11 rebounds), 7-0 F/C Alex Condon (11.5 points, 9.5 rebounds), 6-1 G Urban Klavzar (10.5 points), 6-5 G Denzel Aberdeen (9.5 points).

Noteworthy: FSU has 33 offensive rebounds in two games, with Ponder helping lead the way. Ponder was named the ACC’s rookie of the week on Monday. … The Seminoles knocked off Auburn at Birmingham and LSU in Tallahassee in exhibition games in October but have lost nine straight games to SEC teams. … Florida defeated Miami 77-67 in its opener, which was held in Tampa prior to the Florida State-Florida A&M game. The Gators also routed Jacksonville 88-57. This will be Florida’s first true road game.

Coming up: FSU plays host to Texas A&M Corpus Christi on Friday at 5 p.m. (ACC Network Extra). The early start time is in part because of FSU football’s game on Friday at 7 p.m. at Pittsburgh.

Thanks for reading the Osceola. Subscribe now for 40 percent off to enjoy a full year of coverage of FSU athletics. You’ll also earn an e-gift card at Alumni Hall.