Seminoles beat the Hokies 73-65

For a while it looked like this was going to be a typical ACC grinder. The Hokies took advantage of 15 first half free throw attempts to keep the game close at the break. Then they cut the lead to one on an Ahmed Hill 3-pointer with 16:26 to play in the game.

From there, the Noles took over.

Utilizing a lineup of Michael Ojo, Jarquez Smith, Brandon Allen, Robbie Berwick, and Devon Bookert, the Noles made a 9-2 run to open things up. When Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Montay Brandon came back in, FSU was able to push the lead to 17.

Virginia Tech made several mini runs down the stretch, but each time FSU was able to answer, and the Hokies were never able to get closer than seven. The Noles ended up holding the lead for the final 34 minutes of the game.

Xavier Rathan-Mayes did a solid job in breaking down the defense and finding open shooters. And for a change, FSU knocked down the shots. FSU made 8-18 3s, led by Devon Bookert's perfect 3-3 from the arc. XRM finished with his first career double-double, scoring 12 to go alone with 11 assists. Montay Brandon led the team with 16 points and six rebounds, and Devon Bookert was the third player in double figures with 10.

The FSU defense came up with 9 blocks, and held the Hokies below a point per possession.

The Seminoles are now 5-6 in conference and need to win four of the final seven to avoid their first losing conference season in seven years.

Next up, the Noles host No. 4 Duke on Monday.