Seminoles look to extend ACC win streak

TALLAHASSEE — Florida State begins its threegame road trip Saturday in Atlanta against Georgia Tech, and the Seminoles expect a grind-it-out game much like their last encounter.

Earlier this month, the Seminoles outlasted the Yellow Jackets 59-49 at home. While Georgia Tech is 2-9 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, it boasts one of the top defenses in the country.

Georgia Tech is ranked No. 12 nationally in fieldgoal percentage defense, allowing opponents to shoot just 38.9 percent. The Yellow Jackets also are 25th in scoring defense, holding teams to 64.3 points per game.

FSU guard Devin Vassell said when the Yellow Jackets try to slow the game down, the Seminoles have to be ready to pick the pace up in their half-court sets.

“I think we’ve just got to move the ball more, attack gaps and just be ready to shoot,” he said.

The freshman came off the bench against Wake Forest to give FSU immediate offense and tally a career-high eight points. Vassell said the team has helped him stay locked in and contribute when called upon.

“Just having supportive teammates who encourage me,” he said. “And sometimes in practice and in games, they say just be ready for my time. Working hard, working out with coaches, they’ve just prepared me for whenever I get out on the court [that] I’ll be ready to play.”

The bench has been huge throughout the season for FSU, with Mfiondu Kabengele and David Nichols coming in and leading in scoring during different points.

Vassell said the second unit understands its importance and works hard to make sure there is no drop-off when coach Leonard Hamilton sends them into games.

“Coach Ham always says six through 11 is a big part of our team,” Vassell said.

“And we have that mindset that just because we’re not starters, [that] doesn’t mean we’re not a main piece on the team.”

As far as the starters go, Terance Mann has come alive for FSU, averaging 16.3 points in the last three games while shooting 78.9 percent from the field and 85.7 percent from the 3-point line.

Christ Koumadje recorded his first career double-double, exploding for 20 points and 12 rebounds against Wake Forest.

The Seminoles are currently on a six-game conference win streak and are looking to make it seven in a row for the first time since the 2011-12 season.