Top seed Miami played with fire before shaking off upset-minded Boston College, 69-58, in the quarterfinal round of the 2013 ACC Tournament on Friday.
The Hurricanes (25-6) led by as many as 13 points in the first half before BC (16-17) closed out the opening 20 minutes with a 19-4 run to lead 27-25 heading into the break.
The game was nip-and-tuck into the final three minutes when Miami took control, or the Eagles faltered, depending on one’s point of view. Back-to-back turnovers coming out of timeouts with the game tied at 55 opened the door for UM, which took the lead for good on a pair of Durand Scott free throws and a Shane Larkin three at the 1:50 mark that gave Miami a 60-55 lead.
The Canes closed out the game on a 14-3 run.
Larkin led Miami with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting. Kenny Kadji added 15 points and 10 rebounds.
Patrick Heckmann led BC with 15 points.
Miami advances to the ACC Tournament Semifinals on Saturday against the winner of the #4 Virginia/#5 North Carolina State game.