'Execution' will be key in Notre Dame women's basketball game against Syracuse

The Notre Dame women's basketball team will face Syracuse Saturday in the semi-finals of the ACC Tournament. The Irish cruised to victory Friday over North Carolina, 95-to-77, avenging one of their only losses this season.

It's clear the switch has been flipped.

The Irish are in post season mode - win or go home.

After beating North Carolina Friday, they're going to try to take down Syracuse for a third time Saturday for a chance at another ACC title.

As the ACC regular season champion Irish go for the sweep this weekend which they started with a dominant performance against North Carolina.

"We knew this game was very important for us. Just losing earlier in the season, we knew we had to come out, play defense early on. Get stops and get out in transition," guard Jackie Young said.

That defense was a struggle at times.

Head Coach Muffet McGraw will take a win in any form this time of year.

"We're in that 'survive and advance' part of the season now. So, I'm still harping on the defense. I think we can be better, but we're happy to be moving on," Coach McGraw said.

The Irish will meet Syracuse at noon with a trip to the title game on the line.

Coach McGraw knows that motivation will have both teams well-prepared.

"Got a tough task in Syracuse. They're a great 3-point shooting team. We played Syracuse not too long ago, so hopefully, they're fresh in their minds," Coach McGraw said.

This will be the third time Notre Dame and Syracuse have met this year, a common occurrence in the ACC tournament.

This one is all about execution.

"I don't think it's better with the face that we know them more. Scouting is easier, but it's also tougher because we've played so many times. They know us as well. So, it's going to be a good matchup. Everybody knows each other's plays too. It'll come down to who executes and who stops," Arike Ogunbowale said.

Everyone knows everyone, meaning there won't be any surprises.