SUNRISE, Fla. — If some guy named John Smith can hurt Western Kentucky inside, Hilltopper coach Ken McDonald wonders what Florida State’s post is capable of doing to WKU today.

Before the Hilltoppers took off for a brief Christmas break, they picked up what was a largely positive 83-60 win over Alabama A&M. But WKU still had something to think about as it departed for the holidays, because A&M’s 6-foot-6, 260-pound center Smith was a perfect 6-of-6 from the field for a career-high 14 points and nine rebounds.

“They posted (WKU forward) Jeremy Evans way too easy and way too deep,” McDonald said. “(Smith) was 4-for-4 at the half and we can’t let that happen. Against Florida State that will be 8-for-8 at the half, because they are big.”

The Seminoles are probably the biggest group WKU will face this year. Florida State’s expected starting lineup today boasts three interior players at 6-8 or taller, including 7-1 center Solomon Alabi - and starting two guard Jordan DeMercy is 6-7.

Despite starting only player taller than 6-5, size hasn’t necessarily overwhelmed the undersized Hilltoppers this year. Even with Smith’s night against WKU last weekend, the Hilltoppers outrebounded the Bulldogs 40-27 and held A&M to less than 42 percent from the field.

The Hilltoppers’ biggest mismatch sizewise was against then-No. 3 Louisville, and WKU managed to outrebound the Cardinals 48- 36.

“We have to fight a little bit more and we have to scrap a little bit more,” McDonald said. “We have to do a good job of fighting on defense and rebounding the basketball.”

Staying strong inside is one reason why the Hilltoppers entered the Christmas break at 7-3 and head into today’s opener of the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Classic on a high.

The Hilltoppers might have given up a few too many points inside against Alabama A&M, but Evans has scored in double figures in four of the Hilltoppers’ last five contests.

Not coincidentally, WKU is 4-1 during those last five games - winning every time Evans has scored in double figures.

“I think we’ve come in and have done pretty good to this point,” Evans said. “I think we’re at a good spot. Most people didn’t think we were going to do well, but I’m happy with where we’re at.”

Meanwhile, Evans and the Hilltoppers have another chance for a resume-building win. Like WKU, the Seminoles (11-2) are receiving votes in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll.

The Seminoles have gotten off to a strong start - with losses only at Northwestern and to No. 3 Pittsburgh - despite a young lineup.

Florida State starts two freshmen in Alabi and 6-9 freshman forward Chris Singleton, who is averaging 9.7 points and 6.7 rebounds. But the biggest threat is guard Ronald Douglas, who is averaging 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 rebounds.

“They can score at a lot of positions,” McDonald said. “The Douglas kid at guard is probably a preseason All-(Atlantic Coast Conference) first-team, maybe (ACC) Player of the Year.

“They can score at just about any position on us, and we have to do a good job of fighting on defense and rebounding the basketball.”

Both the Hilltoppers and Seminoles have had a week off since their last contests. WKU returned to practice Thursday night before traveling to south Florida on Friday morning.

“The turnaround is not ideal,“ McDonald said. “We only have two days to prepare for Florida State. (But Florida State has) the same type of break to deal with. It’s not like either one of us has a disadvantage.

“The formula for how many days off and how many days to prepare? I don’t know. We’re going to find out if we fall out of shape a little bit.”

One possible strategy for beating the Seminoles today: Make friends with University of Florida fans.

This afternoon’s game is the opener of a doubleheader, as Florida and Winthrop play in the nightcap. The Seminoles probably will have the crowd advantage at the outset of today’s contest at the BankAtlantic Center, home of the NHL’s Florida Panthers.

But WKU hopes to give Florida fans - who harbor little love for the Seminoles - something to root for.

“As the game goes on, you get going and play hard and give them something to cheer about, they’ll cheer for us,” McDonald said. “There’s a lot of Florida fans down there that are going to be there for the Florida game. I imagine they’d throw a red T-shirt on after a while if they could. I know how it works.”