Through the Seminoles led throughout, this game felt like it would be won at the buzzer throughout, and the game did not disappoint, as Florida State (26-6, 13-5) got a wild overtime win over Virginia Tech (24-8, 12-6) on Thursday afternoon in the first round of the ACC Tournament.
Florida State started the game with a 17-4 run, and appeared to be in danger of taking control of this game. However, the Hokies of Virginia Tech rallied back, and stayed close to Florida State as the game progressed. The Hokies did not take a lead until there was only 1:16 to go in the game. From there Kerry Blackshear hit a jumper that gave Virginia Tech a 56-53 lead that looked like could pull off the comeback for the Hokies. The Seminoles had an answer, though, and his name was Devin Vassell. He hit a game-tying three point shot with four seconds to go to send the game to overtime.
Overtime was a back and forth affair until, tied 63-63, Florida State stood tall one final time. Terance Mann hit the game winning shot with two seconds left in the game that gave the Seminoles a 65-63 lead. Though the Hokies had one last shot, a last second desperation three-point attempt was no good and the Seminoles held on to an impressive, hard-fought win.
Devil Vassell's fourteen points off the bench, including the late three-pointer to tie the game in the second half, led the way for Florida State. The Seminoles also got ten points and nine rebounds from Terance Mann. The Hokies were led by 21 points from Nickeil Alexander-Walker - Kerry Blackshear also had 17 points and nine rebounds in the loss for Virginia Tech.
The Seminoles now advance to battle the second ranked, and topped seeded, Virginia Cavaliers. Tipoff on Friday night is scheulded for 7 PM in Charlotte, North Carolina.