FSU handles Georgia Tech in a must-win game

The Noles didn't get much bubble help this weekend, but tonight they got the chance to make a little luck of their own. With most of the bubble teams winning this weekend, FSU absolutely had to hold serve at home, and they did just that in convincing fashion over the visiting Yellow Jackets of Georgia Tech.

Despite starting Ian Miller and Aaron Thomas for the 3rd straight game, the Noles got off to a slow start and were down 11-6 after the first six minutes. But then Devon Bookert hit a three and the Noles were off. They used a 20-3 run to take a 12-point lead, and though it got whittled down to four at the half, it was quickly rebuilt in the second period. FSU took a double digit lead with 15 minutes to play, and the game never slipped below ten. It took a 10-5 Georgia Tech run in garbage time to make the score look closer than the game was played, and FSU won 81-71.

The Noles refused to let Georgia Tech slow the game down, and instead forced the action all night. The aggressiveness paid off as FSU attempted 37 free throws, which is their 2nd highest total of the year. Okaro White made 10-11, Aaron Thomas made 9-10, and the team made 84%.

Okaro led FSU with 18 points, passing Tharon Mayes on the all time scoring list. Devon Bookert had 16 points, making 4-4 3s. Aaron Thomas and Ian Miller both had 15, and Montay Brandon had 12 rebounds for the 2nd straight game. All told, FSU scored 1.23 points per possession, which is the 3rd most this season versus Tech.

Now the Noles have a day off on Monday before Tuesday's important road game at Boston College.