Virginia Tech Dominates Florida State in Road Victory

Virginia Tech Women’s Basketball delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Thursday night, overwhelming Florida State 79–54 at the Donald L. Tucker Center. From the opening tip, the Hokies dictated the pace, controlled the tempo, and showcased a balanced attack that Florida State simply could not slow down.

Virginia Tech’s fast start set the tone for the evening, as the Hokies exploded in transition and built a commanding first-quarter lead that never truly came under threat. By the final buzzer, Virginia Tech had turned a road test into a statement win, walking out of Tallahassee with a 25-point victory that reflected their dominance on both ends of the floor.

Hokies Strike Early, Set the Tone in the First Quarter

Virginia Tech wasted no time asserting control. The Hokies opened the game with pace, confidence, and precision, scoring quickly in transition and attacking Florida State before the Seminoles could settle into their defensive sets. Every member of Virginia Tech’s starting lineup scored in the opening quarter, a clear indicator of the offensive balance that defined the night.

The Hokies’ pressure defense fueled their early surge. Virginia Tech forced three turnovers in the first quarter alone and capitalized on each mistake, scoring six points off turnovers and essentially converting every Seminole miscue into immediate offense. Florida State struggled to protect the ball and keep up with Virginia Tech’s tempo, falling behind 22–5 before making a defensive adjustment.

In an attempt to stop the bleeding, Florida State shifted from its initial defensive look into a zone defense midway through the first quarter. The switch came with Virginia Tech firmly in control, but even the change in scheme failed to slow the Hokies’ momentum. Virginia Tech continued to move the ball effectively, finding open looks and attacking gaps in the zone to maintain its advantage.

By the end of the first quarter, Virginia Tech held a commanding 26–12 lead, having shot efficiently while setting the physical and mental tone for the rest of the contest.

Virginia Tech Maintains Control in the Second Quarter

The second quarter followed a similar script, with Virginia Tech continuing to apply pressure and Florida State struggling to generate consistent offense. Mackenzie Nelson provided a spark early in the period, slicing through the lane for strong finishes and helping the Hokies extend their lead. Nelson’s ability to attack off the dribble and create opportunities for herself and her teammates further highlighted Virginia Tech’s offensive versatility.

Florida State entered the game already dealing with instability, starting its sixth different lineup of the season. That lack of continuity became more apparent as the game progressed. Compounding the Seminoles’ challenges, Florida State lost three players to injuries during the game, severely limiting their rotation and depth. The mounting adversity made it increasingly difficult for the Seminoles to mount any sustained comeback.

Virginia Tech, meanwhile, remained composed and relentless. The Hokies controlled the glass, shared the ball, and continued to generate quality scoring opportunities. By halftime, Virginia Tech had built a 45–28 advantage, firmly in command and showing no signs of letting up.

First-Half Standouts Power the Hokies

Virginia Tech’s dominance was fueled by strong performances across the lineup, particularly from its starters and key contributors off the bench.

• Carys Baker led all scorers in the first half with 17 points, adding five rebounds and two steals. Baker was aggressive offensively, attacking defenders and finishing efficiently while also making her presence felt on defense.
   
• Carleigh Wenzel chipped in seven points, two rebounds, and two assists, providing steady production despite facing defensive pressure.
   
• Mackenzie Nelson orchestrated the offense with poise, recording eight points, seven assists, and two steals while consistently pushing the pace.
   
• Mel Daley contributed eight points and five rebounds, anchoring the interior and finishing strong around the basket.
   
• Kilah Freelon added three points and five rebounds, doing the dirty work on the boards and providing physicality in the paint.

Virginia Tech’s ability to get contributions from multiple players kept Florida State off balance and prevented the Seminoles from focusing on any single scoring threat.

Hokies Pull Away in the Third Quarter

If there was any hope for a Florida State comeback, it disappeared during the third quarter. Virginia Tech emerged from halftime with the same intensity that defined the opening minutes of the game, quickly pushing the lead to 21 points — the largest margin to that point.

Virginia Tech’s transition game was untouchable in the third quarter. The Hokies consistently turned defensive stops into fast-break opportunities, beating Florida State down the floor and finishing before the Seminoles could set their defense. For the entire third quarter, Virginia Tech maintained a double-digit lead of at least 15 points, suffocating any momentum Florida State tried to build.

Florida State managed to match Virginia Tech point-for-point in the quarter, but the deficit was simply too large to overcome. At the end of the third period, the Hokies held a 59–42 advantage, firmly in control heading into the final ten minutes.

Fourth Quarter Seals a Statement Win

Virginia Tech left no doubt in the fourth quarter, delivering its most dominant stretch of the night. The Hokies pushed the lead to a game-high 29 points, showcasing their depth and composure as the clock wound down.

Even as rotations shifted and minutes were distributed, Virginia Tech maintained its defensive focus and rebounding effort. The Hokies finished the game with 45 rebounds and forced eight turnovers, limiting Florida State’s ability to generate second-chance points or extended scoring runs.

The Seminoles continued to fight, but injuries and fatigue took their toll. Virginia Tech’s discipline and efficiency allowed them to close the game comfortably, securing a 79–54 victory that underscored their superiority from start to finish.

Final Numbers Tell the Story

Virginia Tech shot 32-of-72 from the field (44.4 percent) and controlled the game in nearly every statistical category. The Hokies also out-rebounded Florida State 45–34 and recorded 22 assists, a testament to their ball movement and unselfish play.

Final Score:
 Virginia Tech 79, Florida State 54

Looking Ahead

The victory marked an impressive road performance for Virginia Tech, one that highlighted the team’s depth, balance, and ability to execute in all phases of the game. The Hokies’ dominance in transition, defensive pressure, and composure under adversity made the trip to Tallahassee well worth it.

Virginia Tech will now return to Cassell Coliseum for a quick turnaround, hosting Radford on Sunday as they look to build momentum and continue their strong play.

For Florida State, the focus will shift to recovery and regrouping as injuries and lineup changes continue to challenge the Seminoles early in the season.