Leonard Hamilton critical of Florida State's intensity in rivalry loss vs. Miami

Florida State was flummoxed by Miami in a rout, falling 86-63 on Tuesday night. Coach Leonard Hamilton didn’t mince words when critiquing Florida State’s intensity in the contest against Miami.

It just flat-out wasn’t there.

“I’m hopeful tonight’s beatdown will get us more ready and more determined and prepared mentally to play against Clemson,” Hamilton said. “Because I’m sure our guys, when they watch the film, they’re going to feel the way I feel.”

Miami had a massive advantage on the glass, outrebounding Florida State 40-23 in the contest. That was one area Hamilton found fault with his guys. It’s hard to cover up the lack of rebounds for the Seminoles, particularly given the fact that Florida State took 63 shot attempts in the game.

“I think we set a record tonight. I’ve never been on a team that got no offensive rebounds in a half,” Hamilton said. “I’ve never seen that, never heard of it. That means that — I know we’re playing with four guards and a power forward, I get that — but that’s part of the game. And not being focused enough to get some tip-ins, putbacks, some offensive rebounds that allow you to get fouled and get to the foul line.

“We did not shoot that well, so we had plenty of opportunities to get offensive rebounds. Now is that inexperience? Is that still learning and growing? Because it’s obvious that we miss a shot they’re pushing the ball down the court. And we expect that.

Florida State’s intensity must improve

Intensity and determination were the words of the day coming off the big loss to Miami. Hamilton has to see more of both from his young team.

“I told our guys prior to the game that the team that would win this game tonight would be the team that had the most determination,” he said. “Whoever the game meant more to. I think that was obvious they came mentally and emotionally prepared. It’s hard to shoot that well from the perimeter if you’re in the gym shooting by yourself with no defense around you at all.

“They’re a good shooting team but I think we played a part of that by not being prepared to play that junkyard defense that we’ve been accustomed to over the years. Disappointing loss, but you have to give Miami a lot of credit for just being focused. Their minds were right and they played with such a grit and determination. They moved fast without the ball.”

Was Tuesday night an aberration? We’ll find out, but Hamilton is surely hoping he doesn’t see any repeat performances like that moving forward.

“Some of it’s lack of experience and some of it’s lack of offensive execution and some of it’s just more experienced team executing their system offensively and defensively,” he said.