Florida State Dominated in Regular Season Finale by Virginia Tech

It was a typical start for Florida State recently. Virginia Tech came roaring out to a 14-0 lead before the 'Noles started to settle in and make some shots. It's simply infuriating watching this team for the first four minutes. I went back and looked at every game log for the season, FSU is being outscored by a total of 281-218 by the first media timeout for the season and 190-126 in ACC play. They've been down double digits six times in ACC play, all coming in the last 11 minutes. I just don't get it. From there, they can scrap and claw their way back into games, but I wish they'd just start strong ONCE. They've only got the ACC Tournament left, so not exactly like we have an abundance of chances to see it.

FSU had been down double-digits almost the enter first half, with the lead growing as large as 17 a couple of times. They chipped away from there, with a 10-2 run in the final 5 minutes of the half, making it a 39-30 basketball game heading into the break. It at least felt like they had a chance.

Caleb Mills came out FIRING in the second half, scoring seven straight to open the half for the 'Noles. Unfortunately, Virginia Tech's offense was humming too, and they were able to get the lead back to double digits after FSU briefly had it down to 4. There was a corner three that MJ Collins hit where Caleb Mills rotated over so lazily, and it was once again infuriating. For a team trying to get back in the game and that came out strong, it was less than ideal to see. Then there are the little things; Matthew Cleveland misses a layup, Virginia comes down and gets a dunk in transition. An airball shot by Darin Green Jr. fouls on 3-point attempts. Passing up opens 3s. Miscommunications. Everything just kept stacking up until the lead was too much to overcome. It doesn't help that FSU didn't attempt a single free throw until there was 1:45 left in the game. They missed both. Hard to win games with that happening, and your opponent is making their 3s.

In the end, Virginia Tech would cruise to an 82-60 win over FSU, ending the regular season. Hokies get the 11th seed in the ACC Tournament, FSU gets the 12th, meaning they'll play Georgia Tech on Tuesday in the ACC Tournament.

Darin Green Jr had a strong first half with 10 points on 4/8 shooting, but he was invisible after that. He really needs to be like a 4th or 5th option instead of 2nd option like he is on this team. I also wish they'd draw some more sets up to get him open instead of him having to fire from 6 feet behind the arc to feel like he's open.

Matthew Cleveland had an... okay game. He had 10 points, but it took 17 shots to get there and had five turnovers as well. Just not an outstanding performance from him.

Caleb Mills had a strong opening to the second half, but his defensive intensity was underwhelming. That's all I have to say there.

Sean Padulla was unreal for the Hokies, scoring 25 points on just 12 shots. Hunter Cattoor was 4/9 from 3, but it felt like he hit a lot more. They just seemed to come at the most opportune times. Once again, the Hokies just lit FSU up from 3, going 18/34 from distance.

FSU plays Georgia Tech on Tuesday at 2 pm.