Virginia tech blows past florida state in wire-to-wire win

By Conner Hart

Staff Writer

March 4, 2023

BLACKSBURG — With 1:45 remaining in the game, the crowd at Cassell Coliseum rose to its feet and gave a standing ovation as seniors Hunter Cattoor and Justyn Mutts checked out of the game for what might've been the last time in Blacksburg.

“It was just a moment of all the hard work I put in over the last four years here,” Cattoor said to reporters postgame. “[It was just for] all of the love Hokie Nation has shown me.” 

The Hokies (18-13, 8-12 ACC) 82-60 thrashing of Florida State (9-22, 7-13) was a reminder of the good times the pair of seniors brought on by doing the little things.

“Tonight I thought we played the game the right way,” Tech head coach Mike Young said. “That's what we talked about at half, that we were playing the game the right way.”

The Hokies’ ball movement was exceptional on the night, creating 21 assists through extra passes where players passed up good shots for great shots.

Sean Pedulla was a major beneficiary. He used shot fakes from the quick passes to generate six three-point makes in his first seven attempts from behind the line, with others getting involved, too. 

Grant Basile had two threes, Rodney Rice had two, and Hunter Cattoor had four in the second half alone; everybody got a piece of the pie.

Mike Young commended MJ Collins on his improving game. “I thought [today] he may have taken the biggest jump he’s taken,” he said in reference to Collins' defense on FSU’s Gordon Green.

Mutts also imposed his will on the Seminoles, touting a vintage Justyn Mutts stat line of eight points, seven rebounds, six assists and a pair of blocks and steals. He may not have joined in on the 16 threes made by Tech, but he anchored the defense and was the glue that kept it all together on offense.

The Hokies are on a winning streak heading into the ACC tournament, where they’ll first play Notre Dame on Tuesday — and they’re ready to make a run again. 

“Obviously, we didn’t have the regular season we wanted to,” Cattoor said. “It’s conference play now, everyone is 0-0 [because] you can’t take your wins with you to conference play.” 

Young shared the same sentiment. 

“We talked about [playing the game the right way]. Now, let’s take the show on the road two hours down south and go to Greensboro.”