In a standout performance during the ACC Tournament, Jamir Watkins, a VCU transfer now playing for Florida State, scored a career-high 34 points against Virginia Tech, leading the 'Noles to a narrow 34-33 lead at halftime. This score tied for the most points ever in the second round of the ACC Tournament, matching Cat Barber's performance against Pitt in 2014. Watkins' remarkable game, which also included 11 rebounds and four steals, came after being named only an All-ACC honorable mention, a decision that sparked considerable discussion given his performance. Notably, Watkins was perfect from the free-throw line, making 10 of 10 attempts, contributing to Florida State's last 20 successful free throws, a critical factor in securing their victory. His achievement sets a record as no other men's Division I player has reached these marks in a conference tournament game over the past 25 years. Prior to the game, Hokies coach Mike Young praised Watkins as "a heat-seeking missile," a testament to his impactful play.
VCU transfer Jamir Watkins's 34 points today for Florida State against the #Hokies were the most by an opposing player in the Mike Young era. Earned a "doggone" from Young in the postgame comments.
Jamir Watkins of @FSUHoops recorded 34 points, 11 rebounds and four steals today. No other men's D-I player has reached those marks in a conference tournament game over the past 25 years. https://t.co/lxZ19lXpP9
Jamir Watkins just WENT OFF🔥👀 Jamir Watkins vs VT in ACC Tournament⬇️ 34 PTS (Career High) 11 REBS 4 STLS https://t.co/hiZF9JHACp
Watkins didn't make any of the three All-ACC teams. But hey, what can you do? Other than go and drop 34 in his first ACC tourney game. .... Also, Florida State made its last 20 free throws (!!!!) to secure the dub. Watkins was 10 of 10 himself down the stretch. https://t.co/5oUCiCRqnB
Jamir Watkins after he was only named an All-ACC honorable mention. https://t.co/J5RlB4w5SX
Jamir Watkins' 34 points are tied for the most ever scored in the 2nd round of the ACC Tournament (Cat Barber vs Pitt, 2014)
Yesterday #Hokies coach Mike Young called FSU's Jamir Watkins "a heat-seeking missile." Watkins, a VCU transfer, has 14 first-half points, and 'Noles lead 34-33.