Thanks to a strong offensive performance and a substantial rebounding advantage, Florida State evened its ACC record at 1-1 with an 86-75 victory over Virginia Tech at the Donald L. Tucker Center on Tuesday night.
Florida State shot 73 percent in the first half to build a 53-45 advantage at the break. The Seminoles increased their advantage to as many as 14 in the second half. The Hokies never got closer than seven over the final 20 minutes.
Guards Adam Smith and Justin Bibbs carried Virginia Tech offensively, combining for 49 points and nine of the Hokies’ 11 3-point makes. Bibbs led all scorers with 25 points; Smith was not far behind with 24.
Florida State also had a very good night from beyond the arc as the Seminoles went 8-for-16. Junior guard Devon Bookert made four of FSU’s triples while freshmen Xavier Rathan-Mayes and Robbie Berwick each added a pair.
On 8-for-14 shooting, Rathan-Mayes led the Seminoles with 22 points. Bookert added 16 and Berwick chipped in with a career-high 13 points.
Montay Brandon added 10 points and led Florida State where its biggest advantage lied – on the glass. Brandon grabbed a game-high 8 rebounds as the Seminoles held a 42-22 edge on the boards. Bookert and freshman Phil Cofer each tallied 7 rebounds.
15 of the 42 rebounds for Florida State (9-6, 1-1 ACC) came on the offensive end. As a team, FSU shot 52 percent from the field.
Florida State will eye its first road win of the season as it visits Syracuse on Sunday night. The Hokies (8-7, 0-2 ACC) will have a week off before visiting Louisville next Tuesday.
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