No. 8 Notre Dame Throttles Virginia Tech, 85-60

In the ACC, you never want to look past any opponent, no matter their record or players they may be missing. No. 8 Notre Dame took no chances, putting the pedal to the floor in the second half on the way to an 85-60 blowout of Virginia Tech.

The Irish (18-2, 6-1 ACC) looked sluggish in the first half, missing some wide open shots that was very uncharacteristic for them. It allowed the Hokies (8-10, 0-5) to keep the game close.

Playing without leading scorer Justin Bibbs, Virginia Tech took advantage of some early Notre Dame miscues, and fighting for every loose ball to keep the game within 10 going into the half. The Hokies hit some clutch threes every time the Irish threatened to pull away, and gave themselves a chance headed into the break.

The second half however was a different story. Pat Connaughton hit five three pointers on his way to a 17 point night, and point guard Demetrius Jackson hit three of his own for 12 points to help the Irish cruise in the second half. Notre Dame hit 12-of-26 for 46 percent from deep, and even on a night when reserve V.J. Beachem missed all 10 of his shots – including seven threes – the Irish still won handily on the road.

Jerian Grant once again lead the team in scoring with 18, and dished out a team-high six assists as well.

Virginia Tech head coach Buzz Williams was indeed impressed by the Irish, and he’s spent some time competing against Mike Brey in the Big East.

"“I told Coach (Brey) that they’re as good a team as he has had, in my opinion,” Virginia Tech coach Buzz Williams said. “I thought at times in the first half we did OK, but I thought we became offensive sensitive in the second half."

Ahmed Hill lead Virginia Tech with 13 points, which lost for the fifth straight time, four by double digits. Jalen Hudson added 12 for the Hokies, who shot just 38.7 percent (24 of 62) from the floor and got outrebounded 43-29.

After starting the season outside of the Top 25 and not even in the conversation as a true threat to win the ACC, the Irish and their unselfish style of play continue to confound opponents. With upcoming contests at NC State, and then a clash at Purcell Pavillion with Duke, the Irish can officially put their stamp as ACC contender with wins in those two contests.

Highlights courtesy of UND.com