FSU basketball picks up big road win at Virginia Tech

Early in ACC play, Florida State had a couple high profile games where they struggled coming out of halftime. With a 3-point lead to open the second stanza, the Seminoles quickly erased those demons by pushing the lead to double-digits with over 13 minutes to play. And once there, they never backed down, eventually walking away with a 91-82 victory.

The game started a bit slowly for FSU, as they had just two Christ Koumadje dunks to show in their first eight possessions. Trailing 10-4, they quickly turned it around with a 13-4 run. From there the ‘Noles would lead for the rest of the game.

The Seminoles got it done with outside shooting in the first half, knocking down 6-13 3s. Virginia Tech was able to stay connected by hitting four 3s of their own, and thanks to a 9-2 FTA advantage.

The 2nd half started with FSU doing a better job attacking the rim. And less than four minutes into the half, big man Kerry Blackshear was whistled for his 4th foul (of six total VT fouls).

With no presence in the middle, FSU was repeatedly able to spread the VT defense, and attack the rim.

The ‘Noles led by double digits for much of the 2nd half. The Hokies were able to close the gap when they reeled off 5-6 3s and were able to get the lead to as small as five. But Florida State made their FTs down the stretch, and MJ Walker came up with a huge steal to ice it. With that, the Seminoles were able to secure the 91-82 win.

MJ Walker had his best game as a Seminole, scoring 24 points to go along with six rebounds. Braian Angola, who twice had his bell rung, made 8-10 FTs on his way to 14 points. CJ Walker had 11 points and seven assists. Terance Mann scored 12, and Christ Koumadje scored 10.

Florida State improves to 14-5 (3-4), and will host Georgia Tech on Wednesday.