The Cards will face the Notre Dame fighting Irish for the third straight season in the Big East semi-finals. The Cards are 2-0 against the Irish in the Big East tournament. Louisville leads the all-time series with Notre Dame 18 to 12 and the teams are tied in regular season games 5 to 5. This will also be the third time these teams have faced off this season. Notre Dame won the first contest on February 9th in 5 overtimes 104-101. Louisville won the second contest on March 9th 73-57.
Notre Dame is trying to win four games in four days to be the Big East champion. They have already locked themselves a spot in the NCAA tournament but are now looking to cap off their season with a Big East title. Notre Dame might be a little less talented than some Big East teams, but its experienced roster and efficient offense is enough to win big games and be very competitive. Notre Dame returns all five starters for one of the few times in Mike Brey’s 12-year tenure and one of the most talented recruiting classes. Notre Dame’s current senior class needs only one victory to become the program’s all-time winningest class. There is depth, there is talent, there is plenty of drive and plenty of determination. When it comes to taking care of the ball and sharing the ball there isn’t many teams that do it better than this Irish squad. And they can score from anywhere on the floor.
#24 Notre Dame (25-8, 11-7)
Current RPI-41 Current BPI-37
Kenpom:
ADJ Efficiency- Offense 115.3 Rank 13
ADJ Efficiency- Defense 96.2 Rank 96
Kenpom Overall Rank: 33
National Statistic Rankings:
-POINTS PER GAME
70.7
97th
OVERALL
-REBOUNDS PER GAME
36.4
97th
OVERALL
-ASSISTS PER GAME
17.3
3rd
OVERALL
-FIELD GOAL PCT
.468
31st
OVERALL
Notre Dame’s Season averages on offense: 2pt-44%, 3pt-35.5%, FT-70.5%
Notre Dame’s Season averages on defense: Forced TO’s- 9.9, Steals- 4.6, Blocks- 3.3
Projected Starting Line-up for the Fighting Irish:
F Jack Cooley: He was named to the All Big East First team and has become a force down low for the Irish. He has 8 points and 15 rebounds in their two Big East tourney wins.
F Tom Knight: The left-hander can do a handful of tasks really well rebound, defend and screen. He has become a more consist player this season as well. He has 26 points and 13 rebounds in their two Big East tourney wins.
G Eric Atkins: He is one of the top guards in the league and does a good job at guiding this offense. He takes good care of the ball and finds the open man. He has 15 points and 7 assist in their two Big East tourney wins.
G Jerian Grant: He was named to the All Big East second team. He is a really confident player that will hit big shots in key moments, and knows how to get the ball to his teammates in scoring position. He has 28 points, 11 assist and 10 rebounds in their two Big East tourney wins.
G/F Pat Connaughton: Is a player with a lot of versatility. He’ll score, pass, guard, take a charge and rebound. He also understands what it’s like to be under the brightest of lights. He’s having a outstanding Big East tournament showing with 39 points and 9 rebounds in their two tourney wins.
Projected Bench Players:
C Garrick Sherman: Is a transfer from Michigan State that will provide back up to Cooley. He performs well against Louisville. He has 20 points and 10 rebounds in their two Big East tourney wins.
F Cameron Biedscheid: He hit the winning lay up to beat the Cards earlier this season but didn’t play against us a few weeks ago due to suspension. He is solid off the bench and has scored 4 points with 2 rebounds in their tourney wins.
F Zach Auguste: Is a freshman that has come in and played the part for Notre Dame like Harrell has played for Louisville. He gives them length and a Big East body. He comes off the bench and gives them solid minutes. He had 2 points and 2 rebounds in their tourney wins.
I wouldn’t want to be any team playing a third game in three days and have to face this Cards defense. Plus the Irish have been in two pretty close games as well. I do think they will make a good game of it for the first 25 or so minutes but then their legs will start to wear causing those jump shots to fall short. The key to this game for the Cards is to replicate the great defensive effort of the Villanova game. Got to extend the D and get out on these Irish shooters. Gorgui took the night off against Nova so he should be ready to have another monster game against the Irish. Similar to what he did against them on senior day. Russ and Peyton are in a zone and they should dominate the back-court battle. We will have fresher legs and more talent on the floor. This game should just be a warm-up game for the finals for the Cardinals. I don’t see this one being much of problem and am looking forward to sending the Irish home from New York. I might finally get over that 5OT deal after that.
The Beak Prediction:
Louisville 73 Notre Dame 65
