Inside Stuff: Hamilton believes road wins will come with paint production

Imagine having a chance at reaching the NCAA Tournament. Only to lose five games in February and be left with the idea it would take something spectacular to salvage the season.

If any of this sounds familiar, it should. The Florida State men's basketball team was in this position a year ago.

Clemson, which hosts No. 19 FSU (22-6, 10-5 Atlantic Coast Conference) at noon Saturday, is facing such a reality with three regular-season games left.

The Tigers (14-13, 4-11) have lost five of their last six games and are in desperate need for a win. It's why Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton and his team are expecting to see a different team than the one they crushed 109-61 on Feb. 5 at the Tucker Center.

"They're going to go back and see about 10 of our films and do statistical analysis on where our weaknesses and our strengths are, and we're going to have to be prepared," Hamilton said. "There's no doubt that Clemson team we saw in Tallahassee will not be in South Carolina this week."

Since FSU opened ACC play in late December, the team has answered several questions regarding its potential. Yet the one quandary that remains is how much of a threat can the Seminoles be in the tournament when they frequently struggle on the road?

Eight teams in the ACC have losing road records this season, yet the Seminoles are the only ranked team of the group. FSU has lost five of its last six games away from the Tucker Center.