Hokies Stop Losing Streak with Win Over FSU

Finally, the losing streak is over.  Virginia Tech got big games from Erick Green and C.J. Barksdale in an 80-70 win over Florida State in Blacksburg on Sunday night.  The Hokies are now 12-15 overall and 3-11 in ACC play.  The Noles dropped to 14-13, with a 6-8 mark in the ACC.

Erick Green led all scorers with 26 points, and he also had five assists, four rebounds and two steals.  He was 8-of-17 from the field and made all nine of his free throws.  C.J. Barksdale put up big numbers for the second game in a row, finishing with a career-high 17 points and nine rebounds.  He was 4-of-6 from the field and 9-of-11 from the free throw line.

"It feels good, especially with the way I've been playing," Barksdale said.  "I've been going through a little slump, so it feels good to have these two games."

Barksdale also noted that it's good to get the losing streak over and done with.

"No team wants to get in a routine of losing," Barksdale said. "We came out and played as hard as we could, and focused in on the scouting report.  The results showed."

Tech also got a good contribution from Robert Brown.  He made his first three shots from the field, and finished with 11 points for the game.

"It was big [making his first three shots]," Brown said.  "I felt good coming into this game, and my teammates still had confidence in me."

Brown hopes that getting a win will help the team's confidence and lead to more wins.

"Hopefully we do.  Hopefully everybody on the team keeps getting better, and Erick keeps playing the way he is.  A win can do a lot for a team.  Hopefully we'll take this one and carry the momentum on."

Tech shot 50% from the field in this game, and they also shot 25-of-30 (83.3%) from the free throw line.  Florida State started fouling with over two minutes left in the game, and it was great free throw shooting down the stretch that kept the Noles at arm's length.

Marquis Rankin started the game for the Hokies and finished with eight points.  However, he started throwing up in the lockerroom during halftime, and after a brief appearance in the second half he left the game and never returned.

Tech returns to action on Wednesday night when they take on Miami on the road.  Tipoff is scheduled for 7pm, and the game will be televised by RSN.  Check your local listings.