Xavier Rathan-Mayes helps FSU hold off VCU late
ATLANTA (AP) -- Xavier Rathan-Mayes scored 23 points, including four free throws in the final 1:06 and Florida State held off VCU 76-71 on Sunday at Philips Arena.
Rathan-Mayes made two free throws for a 72-68 lead. Melvin Johnson hit a 3-pointer for VCU, his final points during his run of 16 straight, to cut the lead to one with 55 seconds left.
The Seminoles turned the ball over but Rathan-Mayes made a steal and Terance Mann dunked to make it 74-71. The Rams missed a 3-pointer and Rathan-Mayes sank two more free throws with six seconds left for the final score.
Dwayne Bacon and Malik Beasley scored 10 points each for Florida State (5-2), which has won eight straight in Atlanta.
Johnson led VCU (5-3) with a career-high 36 points, Korey Billbury added 11 and Mo Alie-Cox 10. Johnson has topped 20 points four times this season.
Florida State led 40-29 at halftime.
