WASHINGTON D.C. – In the second round of the ACC Men’s Tournament, Florida State defeated Virginia Tech 86-76.
While Florida State was dominant and set the tone in the paint, the Hokies found early shooting success--64 percent in the first half. Sean Pedulla notched 12 first half points while MJ Collins also netted 8 points.
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The Hokies held a 27-19 lead in the first half before a 12-2 Seminoles run changed things. Spearheaded by Baba Miller and Jalen Warley, Florida State would hold a brief 34-31 advantage. Virginia Tech managed to go into halftime up 37-36.
The catalyst- Florida State was the epitome of scoring inside. 48 points in the paint sent the Seminoles to the next round, and the Hokies back to Blacksburg.
“I don’t know that anybody would sign up to play Florida State, no matter what year, because of their style, because of their players,” head coach Mike Young said.
“They’re so much longer and athletic than we are but just trying to keep them out the paint was tough for us today,” sophomore guard MJ Collins added. “And like you said, they played to their strength well.”
While the Hokies couldn’t have asked for much more in the first half behind over 60% shooting, turnovers and lack of physicality led to an early exit from D.C.
“Part of our game plan was just getting into the paint and playing off two feet, and we kind of did that a little bit less in the second half,” guard Sean Pedulla said. “I thought we even did it a lot in the first half, but one-foot plays, making the 50/50 passes, and that kind of led to some of the turnovers, and their length kind of makes it hard to finish around the rim. It kind of baits you into taking tough shots.”
The Hokies are optimistic about playing in a postseason tournament, perhaps the NIT.