By Phillip Murray
RALEIGH, N.C. FINAL: Florida State 85, NC State 78:

NC State (10-7, 0-4 ACC) is one of just two winless teams remaining in ACC play as they lost at home Wednesday night to Florida State, 85-78.
Abdul-Malik Abu had 22 points and 13 rebounds on the night in a losing effort for the Wolfpack who shot just 38 percent from the floor. What has become a problem and a constant trend this season, the Wolfpack once again failed to start off the game with any momentum, and was barely able to keep pace with the Seminoles. N.C State did manage to tie the game at 22 but then followed to go almost 3 minutes with a score. Florida State on the other took control of the game early and closed out the first half with a 16-6 run, along with a pair of three pointers by Beasley. N.C State shot poorly in the first half shooting 33.3 percent).
Despite finally igniting a spark to cut a deficit to 7 with a corner 3 from Caleb Martin, and then a lay-up from Anthony Barber to make it 55-50, N.C State didn’t have an answer for Florida State. With a quick 3 pointer from Booker, the Seminoles went on 11-2 run and never looked back. N.C State made a last effort to cut down an 11 point deficit down to three points in the final minute with a pair of late 3 pointers by freshman Maverick Rowan, but FSU was perfect from the line hitting all 6 of its free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal the win. With the loss the Wolfpack drops to 0-4 in the ACC for the first time since 1996-97. ACC leading scorer and star point guard Anthony Barber didn’t manage to reach his season avg of 23 points. Barber only netted 16 points. The good news for N.C State is that the team recovered from an 0-8 start to reach the ACC tournament championship game. Thats the only silver lining for N.C State, considering its next game is up against in state rival UNC Saturday at noon.

Florida State (11-5, 1-3 ACC) placed four in double figures, led by Malik Beasley’s 22. Devon Booker followed with 18 points including 4 three pointers. With the win, the Seminoles carry some momentum going into a weekend showdown at home against 13th ranked Virginia.