Thomas leads No. 21 Miami women past No. 14 FSU 74-56

Mar 4, 2016, 03:53 pm

GREENSBORO, N.C. -- Jessica Thomas hit 5 of 6 from long distance and scored 21 points and No. 21 Miami, the fifth-seed, took control in the second half to defeat No. 14 Florida State, the four-seed, 74-56 on Friday in the quarterfinals of the ACC tournament.

The Hurricanes (24-7), who lost a late lead against their in-state rival to lose 70-67 in the regular season finale, pulled away this time to earn a spot in semifinals on Saturday against second-ranked Notre Dame winner.

Thomas opened the second half with a trey to break a 37-37 tie and an 8-0 run led to a 52-45 spread after three quarters.

Thomas had three 3s in the fourth quarter when Miami made 9 of 12 from the field. Emese Hoff added 15 points off the bench and Keyona Hayes and Adrienne Motley had 13 each.

Shakayla Thomas and Leticia Romero had 14 each for Florida State (23-7), which shot 23 percent (7 for 30) after intermission, its worst half of the season.