Notre Dame men’s basketball team added something else to be thankful for this Thanksgiving – a Maui Invitational Championship. The Irish knocked off #6 Wichita State despite barely leading throughout the game and after trailing by as many as 16. The Irish led early at 4-2 but did not hold another lead until there were 2.3 seconds left on the clock and that’s all that matters. Notre Dame won 67-66 thanks to an exhilarating final minute of action.
After Bonzie Colson missed a three pointer that would have tied it with just over 30 seconds remaining, things looked bleak for the Irish. Then Matt Farrell came to the rescue with a steal on a Wichita State inbounds pass that led to an easy layup for Colson. After the Shockers missed the front end of a one and one, Mike Brey called a timeout and drew an inbound play to the most obvious target on the court – Martinas Geben. Notre Dame’s often overlooked big man flashed down the lane and got fouled. Geben nailed both shots from the charity stripe and after Wichita was unable to to even get a shot off, the Irish were still perfect on the season and claimed the Maui title.
Colson had another double double with 25 points and 11 rebounds. Farrell chipped in 15 with 4 rebounds and 4 assists
Frank Vitovitch has been Co-Owner and Editor in Chief of UHND.com since joining forces with Kyle Flavin in 1999. Since that time, he has written over 2,000 articles covering Notre Dame football, recruiting, and basketball. He also works with all staff and external writers on all articles published on UHND.com. Frank's love for Notre Dame football started at a young age watching Rocket Ismail give opposing coaches ulcers in the late 1980's. By day Frank works in marketing and holds a degree in Digital Media from Drexel University. Frank's work has been cited by online/print editions of NBC Sports, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated and has been quoted on air by ESPN's Collin Cowherd. He's conducted interviews with Notre Dame legends Rocket Ismail, Randy Kinder, Lee Becton, Reggie Brooks, Michael Stonebreaker, and Ned Bolcar among others over his 20+ years of covering Notre Dame football. He's also been published in the print edition of USA Today Sports Weekly and the USA Today College Football Preview multiple times. Other Published Works/Citations for Frank Three Reasons Notre Dame Will Beat Alabama - USA Today Notre Dame Suspends WR Kevin Stepherson, RB C.J. Holmes Indefinitely - Bleacher Report Notre Dame / Ohio State Fiesta Bowl Preview - Eleven Warriors Brace Yourself: The Fighting Irish are Relevant Again - Sports on Earth Interviews with the Enemy: A Q&A with Frank Vitovitch of UHND - Yahoo! Sports Five Good Minutes: Notre Dame Football Preview With UHND.com - BC Interruption Vicious Electronic Questioning with UHND - MGO Blog
Is it me or does this look like the most balanced team in the Brey era? DJ and Gibbs bring an extra dimension to the team. I had some goosebumps going into this matchup, but the boys from ND delivered!!!! And boy did they deliver 🙂 🙂 🙂 Go Irish!!!!!
Three years ago I came down with severe sciatica. I was put on prayer list and a special Mass for me at the high School I attended long ago in the chapel. I went to the Mass amongst all these teens. The basketball team was in attendance also. The Priest mentioned to pray for me. At the sign of Peace the teens to my side shook my hand. Then all of a sudden from diagonally across the aisle #0 came over and shook my hand. Then I thought, no wonder The Fighting Irish signed Him. Two years ago I was driving along tuned into NotreDame/North Carolina ( I believe) when #0 put in the winning basket. The legend is just getting started.
Greg Kelly – I just had spine surgery for very severe sciatica in late August (I’d had it since April). I know what you went through.
BGC ’77 ’82
Another nice win for Coach Brey. Way to finish…a great team effort.
I live in a football state where sometimes the people don’t even consider ND to be an “Indiana” basketball school! I love it when we do something impressive…something like “bragging rights” in other states.
BGC
La Crosse, IN
Sorry! I meant “I live in a BASKETBALL state” Duh.
These last couple of years the mens basketball team has really taken a step forward. They are a force to be reckoned with. Had they got past UK a few years back I thought they had a legit shot at their first NC. Quite honestly I’d almost say they are borderline elite. They are not quite there yet, but they are not afraid of any team and can beat any team. MSU next week will be a huge test. But I’d give ND just a good shot at taking them down as anyone. This team has the makings of a good run in both the ACC tournament and the NCAA tournament.
And Brey is one of the best coaches out there coming out of a time out. He almost always has the best plays ready to go when it’s needed most.
It’s sort of a shame but the last few years the BB team has been more exciting then the FB team. The FB team always seems to fall flat when it matters most.
Don’t put too much emphasis on the MSU game.
Their young players like Gibbs, Harvey, Mooney will get better by March. And their leaders, Colson and Farrell, are already elite.
#0 a stop and assist at the end, to pull out the Win. Fearless Team, smells Final Four. Maybe they can motivate the football team.
Never a doubt Irish….Congrats Gebben that was awesome!