Losing streak hits four as FSU loses at Virginia Tech

In desperate need of a win to keep their tournament hopes alive, the FSU team started as hot as they had all season, scoring on the game's first seven possessions. The Noles built a 20-10 lead behind 10 early points from Dwayne Bacon. He'd eventually reach 16 before foul trouble sent him to the bench.

Without Bacon, the Noles weathered a couple of big runs from Virginia Tech, but were able to bounce back each time and take a 45-37 lead.

In the second half, it was more of the same. At least early. VT would score a few, and FSU would extend the lead right back.

At 59-54 with just over 10 minutes left, Boris Bojanovsky banged heads with Seth Allen, and both players were sent to the locker room for stitches.

With Bojo out of the game, the Florida State defense fell apart.

Virginia Tech would outscore FSU 29-14 the rest of the way and cruise to an 83-73 win in front of a loud, sellout crowd. FSU's defense gave up a ridiculous 46 points in just 32 second half possessions. Virginia Tech made 11-19 3s. Much of that is just bad luck, but in the final 10 minutes FSU kept losing shooters and leaving players completely unguarded in the corner.

The Noles are now 6-9 in ACC play, and need a miracle to make the NCAA tournament.

Dwayne Bacon led FSU with 22 points. Xavier Rathan-Mayes had 14. Malik Beasley and Bojo each had 11.

Next up for Florida State is a trip to Duke on Thursday.