(Notre Dame) — This week, Niele Ivey said her Notre Dame women’s basketball team had a “sense of urgency” entering the final five games of the season.

It appears her players received the message.

Playing some of their best basketball of the season, the Fighting Irish sprinted to a 20-point halftime lead and cruised to a 79-67 triumph over North Carolina State at Purcell Pavilion.  Notre Dame is now 16-9 overall, 8-6 in Atlantic Coast Conference play and secured the kind of win that can only help their NCAA tournament hopes.

As usual, All-American Hannah Hidalgo led the way with 19 points, eight rebounds, six assists and six steals. On this day, though, she had plenty of help, as four Irish players scored in double figures. Cass Prosper tallied 14 points with seven boards, Iyana Moore added 14 points and Mikayla Cowles popped in 13.

Defense sparked the Irish, as Notre Dame made 17 steals against the Wolfpack and was able to take advantage in transition.

North Carolina State falls to 17-8 overall, 10-4 in the ACC.  Notre Dame hits the road next week, starting at Wake Forest Thursday night.