BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — It's not often an ACC school like Florida State gets mid-major envy. Then again, Gonzaga's basketball program has developed the kind of reputation that makes most schools blush.
For Seminoles coach Leonard Hamilton, the opportunity to open the NCAA tournament Friday against the Bulldogs is a chance to gauge how far along his team is in becoming a consistent contender.
Florida State (22-9), the West Regional's No. 9 seed, is still hoping to make its mark in its second consecutive tournament appearance and sixth since 1991. By comparison, it's nothing new for No. 8 seed Gonzaga (26-6), a West Coast Conference powerhouse making its 12th consecutive appearance.
