NEW YORK — The ACC Tournament title game reminded us why we love college basketball. And up and down game with big plays on both sides. Often, those big plays were being made by local big game players. Here are how some notable local players played in this year’s ACC Tournament.

Steve Vasturia

Steve Vasturia (Photo by Catalina Fragoso – Double G Media)

Vasturia, a senior guard from Notre Dame, was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but grew up in Medford, New Jersey. Vasturia has been through the ups and downs of the Notre Dame program but has been a star on this year’s team, averaging 13.5 PPG and leading the team in minutes played.

At the ACC Tournament, Vasturia has played well, thus earning him a spot on the All-Tournament 2nd team. Throughout his three games, Vasturia averaged 11.6 PPG, 3.6 APG, and 3.0 RPG. Along with putting up a solid stat-line the entire tournament, Vasturia’s cool-headed leadership helped carry the Irish all the way to the championship game.

Matt Farrell

Bridgewater, NJ native Matt Farrell (Photo by Catalina Fragoso – Double G Media)

Farrell, a junior guard from Notre Dame, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey and grew up in Bridgewater, New Jersey. After limited playing time his Freshman and even Sophomore year, Farrell has become the natural starting point guard for the Fighting Irish. This year, Farrell has been instrumental to the success of the Irish and proved it this tournament.

Farrell was named to the All-Tournament first team as he averaged 14 PPG and 5.66 APG. Farrell led the tournament with 17 assists and provided big buckets for the Irish in the championship game against Duke.

For Farrell, playing at the Barclay’s Center was an experience that he will remember for a long time.

“For me, it’s fun playing close to home, a lot of family and friends here,” said Farrell.

Amile Jefferson

Amile Jefferson (Grant Halverson/Getty Images)

Jefferson, a senior forward from Duke, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Amile led the tournament in total blocks with 8 (2 BPG) and also led in total fouls with 15. Jefferson, however, provided clutch baskets for Duke all tournament long. In the championship game, Jefferson scored and-1 in the second half to cut down the Notre Dame lead from eight to five, thus changing the game according to the Notre Dame players.

“The play that really sticks out in my mind is Jefferson got an and-one to cut it from eight to five,” said V.J. Beachem of Notre Dame. “I think that play right there kind of kept them in it.”

Jefferson was voted to an ACC All-Tournament second team spot by the press and, after his dynamic and gutty performance, was able to walk away as an ACC Tournament champion for the first time in his career.