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Robinson's career game not enough to lift Hokies past FSU
The point guard scored a career-high 26 points in Virginia Tech's 91-82 loss to the Seminoles
January 20, 2018
| 1 | 2 | F | |
|---|---|---|---|
 Florida State (14-5, 3-4) | 41 | 50 | 91 |
 Virginia Tech (13-6, 2-4) | 38 | 44 | 82 |
| |||
BLACKSBURG – Despite getting a career-high 26 points from point guard Justin Robinson, Virginia Tech couldn’t get enough stops down the stretch and fell 91-82 to Florida State in an ACC game played Saturday at Carilion Clinic Court.
The Hokies fell to 13-6 overall, 2-4 in the ACC, and lost to the Seminoles for the third straight time. Florida State moved to 14-5, 3-4 in league play, winning a league road game for the first time this season.
“I think we’ve got a team good enough to beat any team the rest of the season and I think we’ve got a team that’s good enough to get beat by any team the rest of the season,” Tech coach Buzz Williams said. “I think the line of it … I don’t think it’s ever-changing with our group. I think we’ve figured out what our Achilles heel is. We know where that line is. It’s just really hard to overcome, whether you’re on the road or at home or whether Florida State is 2-4 … regardless of who we play, we know we have to improve.”
The Seminoles led the entire second half. M.J. Walker gave Florida State its biggest lead when he scored on three straight possessions during one stretch. His jumper with 11:57 remaining capped his spurt and gave the Seminoles a 61-47 lead.
The Hokies cut the lead to five on three occasions in the final 34 seconds, with the last time coming on a layup by Justin Robinson with 20 seconds to go. But the Seminoles kept making their free throws, hitting 12 of 14 from the line in the final minute to seal the win.
Walker paced Florida State with a career-high 24 points, hitting 8 of 13 from the floor, including four 3-pointers. Braian Angola added 14 points for the Seminoles, who had lost three of their past four games since upsetting North Carolina in Tallahassee on Jan. 3. Terance Mann finished with 12.
Robinson hit 10 of 15 from the floor, including four 3-pointers, and he also dished out six assists. Justin Bibbs added 19 points, and he, too, hit four 3-pointers.
The Hokies shot 53.3 percent from the floor and made 10 3-pointers, but 13 turnovers led to 20 Florida State points.
“That’s hard,” Williams admitted. “Obviously, they shoot a high percentage [53.4 percent]. Any team does on live ball turnovers. In the half court, we need to do a better job – I would be at the front of the list – and figure out whatever that is to get more consecutive stops.”
GAME NOTES
• For just the second time this season, Tech lost despite shooting better than 50 percent from the floor (Kentucky).
• Tech is now 6-3 in games in which it has hit at least 10 3-pointers.
• The eight free throws made tied for the fewest made by the Hokies in a game this season.
• The Hokies went 8 of 15 from the free-throw line. The 53.3 percent is their lowest free-throw shooting percentage in a game this season.
• Robinson’s 10 field goals also were a career high, along with his seven 3-point attempts.
• Bibbs’ 19 points were his most since scoring 20 against Radford on Dec. 2 – a span of nine games.
• Ahmed Hill’s five assists were a career high.
UP NEXT
The Hokies play host to North Carolina on Monday in a game that tips at 7 and can be seen on ESPN.
UNC GAME INFO
• The game serves as “Black Out” – one of two SGA Hokie Effect games this season. The official Black Out shirt is available at the bookstore and on the concourse at Cassell. Fans encouraged to wear black and “Defend the Burg” (the slogan on this year’s shirt).
• Also, fans are being reminded to sign up for Maroon & Orange Memories – a new feature that allows fans to purchase experiences and upgrade their game day. This can be found by visiting hokiesports.com/experience – best to view via cell phone. Opportunities include sitting on team bench during pregame warm ups, playing Enter Sandman before tip, photos on the court postgame, eating before the game with Jon & Mike, and more!
Plus, Tech students can check in at games via the Gobbler Student Rewards App. One per game will be randomly selected to shoot a half-court shot for $10,000. The Gobbler Student Rewards app is free and can be downloaded on iPhone and Android devices. Earn points, redeem for rewards, and win $10,000.
For updates on Virginia Tech men's basketball, follow the Hokies on Twitter Follow @HokiesMBB
