NEW YORK _ The signs were there from the outset as Notre Dame made six of its first seven shots to open a quick double-digit lead on Virginia. The ACC's most efficient offense was going to meet the challenge against the conference's stingiest defense.
The 22nd-ranked and third-seeded Fighting Irish trailed for only the first 39 seconds in rolling past a Cavaliers team having a distinctly off night in a 71-58 ACC Tournament quarterfinal win Thursday night before 17,732 at Barclays Center.
Notre Dame (24-8) shot 52 percent from the floor in each half as it garnered its first win against Virginia since it joined the conference four years ago. The No. 21 Cavs (22-10) had won their previous five meetings.
The Irish, making their third straight trip to the semifinals, will meet second-seeded and 16th-ranked Florida State on Friday night.
Bonzie Colson had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Matt Farrell added 14 points and Steve Vasturia and V.J. Beachem scored 12 each for the Irish. Devon Hall and Darius Thompson had 12 points each for the Cavaliers.
