Notre Dame is heading back to the Atlantic Coast Conference championship game for the second time in three years.
The third-seeded Irish opened up a big first half held on in the second half, defeating second-seeded Florida State 77-73 on Friday at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Head coach Mike Brey’s team now faces fifth-seeded Duke on Saturday in the title game. That game will begin at 9 p.m. and be broadcast on ESPN.
Notre Dame led by as many as 18 points Friday, but Florida State trimmed the deficit to as few as five points with under a minute to play. Despite going just 8-of-13 from the line, the Irish were able to hold on.
Senior guard Steve Vasturia led the way for Notre Dame (25-8). He scored 18 points and made 4-of-5 3-pointers as the Irish shot 47 percent from the field.
Notre Dame made 13-of-27 3-pointers, while the Seminoles were just 5-of-15 from long range. The Irish led 42-26 at the half, forcing 10 turnovers.
Junior forward Bonzie Colson had 18 points and six rebounds. Junior guard Matt Farrell added 15 points and six assists. Sophomore wing Matt Ryan made 3-of-4 3-pointers and finished with 11 points off the bench.
Notre Dame lost its only matchup against Duke this season, an 84-74 defeat Jan. 30 in South Bend.
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