Virginia Tech played a terrible first half defensively, then settled down in the second half, but it wasn’t enough as the Hokies fell to Florida State on the road 86-75 on Tuesday night. Tech is now 8-7 on the season and 0-2 in the ACC, while FSU improved to 9-6 overall and 1-1 in conference play.
Both teams were lights out in the first half as Florida State took a 53-45 lead into the intermission. The ‘Noles shot 73.1% in the first half to Tech’s 51.9%. The Seminoles made seven first half three-pointers, which tied their season-high for a game this year. The Hokies were 51.9% in the first half, but the second half percentages (32.3% for Tech and 30.8% for FSU) evened out, and the Seminoles went on to win.
Tech was outsized by FSU, who played three post players who were 7-0 or taller. The Hokies were outrebounded 42-22, though they only gave up seven second chance points. However, they couldn’t keep freshman guard Xavier Rathan-Mayes from getting to the glass. Rathan-Mayes scored 22 points in 37 minutes. Florida State was 8-of-16 from three point range despite coming into the game shooting 25.7% from the outside.
After tying his career-high with 22 points against Syracuse, freshman wing Justin Bibbs set a new career-high with 25 points against Florida State. He was 8-of-17 from the field, 4-of-9 from three-point range, and 5-of-7 from the free throw line. He is averaging 23.5 points per game in ACC play while shooting 48.4% from the field and 47.1% from the outside.
Adam Smith added 24 points on 8-of-18 from the field and 5-of-10 from three-point range. Tech had 14 assists and turned the ball over just six times. However, their lack of defense against a very mediocre offensive team was their ultimate undoing.
The Hokies return to action next Tuesday when they play at #5 Louisville. Tipoff is scheduled for 7pm, and the game will be televised by RSN. Check your local listings.
Was very disappointed in the defensive effort, that was our best chance for an ACC win for awhile…