TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (Interstat) — A surging Virginia Tech women’s basketball team looks to continue its strong non-conference finish when it visits struggling Florida State in an Atlantic Coast Conference preview on Thursday, Dec. 18.

The Hokies (9-3) have won three of their last four, including a 73-55 victory over East Tennessee State on Sunday. They will face a Seminoles squad (4-8) mired in a five-game losing streak, most recently a 75-70 home loss to College of Charleston.

Virginia Tech’s success has been fueled by forward Carys Baker, who is coming off a 22-point performance against ETSU. Over her last five games, Baker is averaging 16.8 points, including a 23-point outing in a win over Florida. Her scoring punch will be central against an FSU defense allowing an average of 80.3 points during its current skid.

Florida State will counter with guard Emma Risch, its most consistent offensive threat. She led the team with 18 points in the loss to College of Charleston and scored 16 in a road game against Oklahoma. The Seminoles will need a major performance from her and improved team defense to challenge the Hokies.

The game at Donald L. Tucker Center represents a final tune-up for both teams before the bulk of ACC play begins in January. Virginia Tech, which has wins over Florida and Oregon State this season, has showcased a balanced attack. In the win over ETSU, guard Mackenzie Nelson dished out eight assists and Samyha Suffren added 12 points off the bench.

Florida State’s difficult schedule has contributed to its record, with losses to ranked opponents like Connecticut, Oklahoma and Notre Dame. The Seminoles’ only win since Nov. 28 came against Missouri State.

Thursday’s contest is the only scheduled meeting between the programs this regular season. Virginia Tech will host Radford on Dec. 21 to close its non-conference slate, while Florida State is set to host South Carolina State on Dec. 20.