Indiana Basketball vs Florida State: 3 matchups to watch

3. Justin Smith vs Devin Vassell

This is probably the most important matchup for the Hoosiers if they end up coming out with the victory on Tuesday.

For Justin Smith, his inconsistencies seem to be in the past as he has become a matchup problem in the Hoosiers’ favor in Archie Miller’s lineup that has him playing on the wing. At 6-foot-7 and with his athleticism, he will be a matchup problem all year-long in the Big Ten, but could meet his match against Florida State.

Devin Vassell is a 6-foot-6 hybrid wing who can score in multiple ways, but is also someone who matches Smith’s versatility and athleticism on the wing. Averaging about one block and a little over one steal per game, Vassell is, again, a very good defender, but this matchup will be up to Smith to be able to lock down Vassell on the offensive end.

Vassell is shooting 51 percent from the field, 40 percent from deep, and 74 percent from the free throw line, something that I think he will utilize throughout the game. Though Justin Smith has become more patient on the defensive end of the floor, he will have to be extremely disciplined against Vassell, something Smith isn’t always known for.

In the end, if Vassell can get Smith into foul trouble early in the game, it will put a lot of pressure on Indiana’s bench to continue to play like they have so far this season, but yet to do so against the athleticism and length of the Seminoles roster.