Late burst helps Notre Dame top Florida State on the hardwood

NOTRE DAME, Ind. - Back to back.

Notre Dame men's hoops hasn't been able to boast two wins in a row in more than a month, but can now do so after beating Florida State on Saturday afternoon.

After seeing a double-digit lead erased in the second half, the Irish used a late push to top the Seminoles 84-69, an impressive run in the eyes of head coach Mike Brey.

"We made big shots. We made assasin-like shots," he said after the game. "That's who this program has been. We didn't see it much in January, but that makes me feel good and makes me feel like we got a shot at this thing."

Matt Farrell led the Irish with a career-high 28 points, and his performance was one of several impressive displays. Rex Plueger set a new career-high himself with 19 points, while Gibbs matched that total as well. Martinas Geben added 10 points and eight rebounds.

Of course, there is still a tough hill to climb if the Irish want a shot at an NCAA Tournament berth, but they know it will have to happen step by step.

"On the back nine, we're 2-1," said Farrell. "That's what we keep saying. Gotta take it one game at a time and gotta inch our way back. We have a really good opportunity on Monday to beat a really good team."

That next opportunity comes with a chance for revenge as well. After falling at the buzzer to North Carolina last month, the Irish now travel to Chapel Hill and will look to pick up a much-needed signature road victory.

View highlights of the win over Florida State in the video above!

Note: Indianapolis native CJ Walker led the Seminoles with 16 points, shooting 4-5 on three-point field goals.