Amber Aniston • January 2, 2025

Florida State Dominates Virginia Tech 105-74 in ACC Action

The Florida State Seminoles delivered a dominant performance in their ACC road opener, defeating the Virginia Tech Hokies 105-74 at Cassell Coliseum. Led by a historic 40-point outing from Ta'Niya Latson, the Seminoles improved to 12-2 overall and 2-0 in ACC play, showcasing their high-octane offense and defensive intensity.


First-Half Brilliance

Florida State took control early, setting the tone with relentless pressure and efficient shooting. By halftime, the Seminoles held a commanding 52-38 lead, fueled by Latson's 23 first-half points. The junior guard displayed her scoring versatility, connecting on mid-range jumpers, attacking the rim, and even hitting from beyond the arc.


The Seminoles’ defense also played a pivotal role, forcing 13 Virginia Tech turnovers in the first half alone. O’Mariah Gordon contributed with four steals during this period, disrupting the Hokies’ offensive flow and creating transition opportunities for FSU.


Latson’s Record-Setting Night

Ta'Niya Latson’s 40 points tied Florida State’s single-game scoring record, originally set by Natasha Howard in 2014. Latson’s efficiency was remarkable, shooting 18-of-28 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range. In addition to her scoring, she added five assists and five steals, further solidifying her impact on both ends of the floor.


This performance marked Latson’s third game this season scoring over 38 points, underscoring her status as the nation’s leading scorer. Her ability to dominate against top competition highlights her candidacy for national player of the year honors.


Virginia Tech’s Struggles

Virginia Tech faced challenges from the outset, as Florida State’s full-court press disrupted their offensive rhythm. The Hokies turned the ball over 24 times, leading to 34 points for the Seminoles. Despite these difficulties, Virginia Tech showed flashes of resilience, with Rose Micheaux leading the way.


Micheaux recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the Hokies in the paint. Matilda Ekh added 13 points, while Carleigh Wenzel and Lani White contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively. The Hokies also excelled at the free-throw line, converting 25-of-29 attempts.


A Balanced Seminole Attack

While Latson’s historic performance headlined the night, Florida State’s supporting cast played a crucial role in the victory. O'Mariah Gordon scored 18 points and set a career-high with seven steals, showcasing her defensive prowess and playmaking ability.


Makayla Timpson added 16 points and controlled the paint on both ends, contributing to FSU’s season-high 74 points in the paint. The Seminoles’ depth was evident, as head coach Brooke Wyckoff utilized a deep rotation to maintain intensity throughout the game.


Key Statistics

Florida State’s offensive efficiency was on full display, with the team shooting a season-best 58% from the field. The Seminoles also recorded 21 steals, another season-high, and outscored Virginia Tech 74-34 in the paint.


Virginia Tech, despite their struggles, found success at the free-throw line, hitting 86% of their attempts. However, their inability to protect the ball and capitalize on scoring opportunities ultimately cost them.


Historical Context

Florida State’s 105 points marked the third-highest total in program history during an ACC game. This victory also extended the Seminoles’ streak of scoring over 100 points to five games this season, solidifying their status as one of the nation’s most explosive offenses.


For Virginia Tech, this marked their first 0-2 start in ACC play since the 2019-20 season. The Hokies will need to regroup quickly as they navigate a challenging conference schedule.


Looking Ahead

Florida State will return home to face Syracuse on Sunday before embarking on a challenging road trip to face Stanford and No. 20 California. With Latson leading the charge, the Seminoles aim to continue their dominance in ACC play.


Virginia Tech, now 9-4 overall and 0-2 in the ACC, will travel to Miami for their next contest. The Hokies will look to address their turnover issues and improve their defensive consistency as they seek their first conference victory.


A Statement Win

Florida State’s 105-74 victory over Virginia Tech underscored their status as one of the top teams in the ACC. With Latson’s historic performance and a balanced team effort, the Seminoles showcased their ability to compete at the highest level.



For Virginia Tech, the game provided valuable lessons in ball security and handling defensive pressure. As both teams continue their ACC campaigns, this matchup serves as a benchmark for growth and the challenges of competing in one of the nation’s toughest conferences.

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