Notre Dame stayed perfect in conference play Saturday afternoon with a 76-71 victory over Virginia Tech that pushed the Irish into first place as the league’s lone unbeaten team. Florida State had unbeaten in league play as well but the Seminoles fell to North Carolina earlier today.
Notre Dame raced out to a big early lead against the Hokies leading by as many as 19 points in the first half, but much like the Irish football team against the Hokies last fall, Notre Dame allowed Virginia Tech back in the game in the second half. Luckily for the Irish, the basketball team was still able to hang on for victory unlike the football team was on Senior Day.
The Irish stormed out of the gates in the first half while building it’s 19 point lead thanks in large part to a 17-0 nothing run. The Irish only lead by eight points and the half though. Virginia Tech used a 19-5 run in the second half to get back into the game and preventing Notre Dame from having an easy day at the office.
The win was Notre Dame’s 5th in as many tries in ACC play and 7th in a row overall. Those five ACC league wins, however, have come by a total of 23 points as the Irish continue to win close games with clutch play in the final two minutes. Another difference between the Irish on the hardwood versus the gridiron.
The Game Was Over When
After briefly surrendering the lead in the final two minutes, Notre Dame took a three point lead on a VJ Beachem jumper with 49 seconds left. As Virginia Tech attempted to save clock by rolling the ball up the floor, Matt Farrell made a gutsy dive at the ball to steal the ball near mid-court. Farrell drove down the court and dished off to TJ Gibbs for an easy layup and a five point lead. From that point on, Virginia Tech was forced to foul the Irish to extend the game.
The game nearly got interesting even after the Irish took the five point lead because of some uncharacteristicly poor free throw shooting by Notre Dame. The Irish entered the game leading the nation in free throw shooting but connected on just 65% of their attempts from the line Saturday afternoon.
Players of the Game
- Steve Vasturia led Notre Dame with 20 points on 8 of 14 shooting. Vasturia has now scored in double figures in six straight games and has four games with 20 points or more on the season.
- Bonzie Colson bounced back from a cold night shooting on Thursday with 14 points and 12 rebounds for yet another double double. Colson has 11 double-doubles on the season.
- TJ Gibbs had a season high 13 points off the bench while playing 17 minutes – his highest total in any game this season against big time competition.
Up Next for Notre Dame Basketball
Notre Dame takes it perfect conference record on the road again on Wednesday night against Florida State. Tip off is set for 7:00 PM. The game will be televised on the ACC Network.
Damian, guess I’m busted, but their are some on this site who should be assed a technical foul and ejected for their improper use of the language.
Another great win, but, they are showing a pattern of putting on a potential beat down and letting the opposing team back in the game. To me, that’s a huge concern because it is going to eventually bit them, as it did against Purdue and Villanova. Nova would have been tough to close out, but they could potentially be undefeated right now overall had they closed those two out.
I see that as their Achille’s heel right now. Someone is going to expose that weakness if they don’t find a way to correct it (not to mention I’ll need blood pressure medication by the time this season is over).
Next up, FSU. Go Irish!
spiceyirish, I’m with you mate, Inner circles always smell bad. Lets start the outer circle club, You’re the President, I’m the Vice President. Thanks for the hot spicy tips about upcomng opponent Fla. St. ND will win over all.
Actually why don’t you try to suck yourself off instead.
Never heard of spicey Irish, heard of fiesty Irish, wake up the echos, North Carolina is North Carolina, Duke is Duke, Don’t think they have been peeking in at the Irish Winning Streak., they know the whole country is watching. They would love to put us back in our place.
What point are you getting out about not hearing of me? Am I not allowed to respond to your comment because am not in some inner circle on this website?
North Carolina and Florida State are best in the conference. ND has them coming up very soon. Actually Florida State this week and will probably be ND’s first conference loss. Other than that, I think ND is fighting for the 3rd seed in the conference tournament. Duke is not in consideration for any top seed at this moment.
Welcome aboard, spiceyirish
re: Duke
Isn’t that the team with the kid that trips players when he gets beat, and getting beat is becoming a routine for Coach K and Grayson. I’m old enough to remember when tripping was more often a pill swallowed, not when a player repeatedly trips guys on a basketball floor that beat him in the lane or to the basket.
What a punk move. It taught me early to be sure to let go of the ball and brace your self from losing your front tooth when the guy you just beat in the lane tripped you, but I digress. Remember when coaches taught to play D’ with your feet instead of reaching with your hands? Grayson Allen gives playing D’with your feet a whole new meaning.
This ND BB team has been awesome. And it wouldn’t surprise me if they steal a W next Wed. @ Fl.St. It’s a long season, but I’m enjoying the trip.
The play at the end of the game, when Ferrell dove at the rolling ball, was one of the finest defensive plays I’ve seen. Great awareness.
Appreciate the accomplishments thus far Mike “Queen” Kelly
Way to support your team Mr. Mike “Dick” Kelly.
Go Irish!!
Irish dismissing one after another meaningless opponent. We’ll see if they are worthy of top 10 rating after matchups vs. Blue Devils and Tar Heels.
Yea I bet ND is really scared of Duke. NOT
ND just beat a 13-3 VT team at their place where they’d won 13 in a row, after just beating Miami on the road who’d won 21 consecutive home games. Road wins in CBB are as tough a victory as one can earn.
ND BB stands atop the best conference in CBB, the only undefeated team in the best conference at 5-0. They are worthy.
Don’t underrate, appreciate.
That is a ridiculous comment. ND is 5-0 in the premier league of college basketball. 3 of those wins are on the road, plus a home victory vs a top team in Louisville.
Also, Duke is not even a top five team in the ACC. As of now, Florida State, who routed Duke at home, and North Carolina are the best two. Notre Dame, Louisville, and Virginia are right after them. I’m pretty sure ND just won at V-Tech, a place where Duke loss.
I think Mike is doing some sort of reverse psychology thing. Every time he talks smack about them they win. I’m not positive but I think that’s what he’s doing.
He said in an earlier thread about them shooting for the NIT, but I don’t think anyone believes they won’t go to the Tourney.