First thoughts after No. 1 Villanova's victory over No. 23/22 Notre Dame. By PAUL GOTHAM Josh Hart netted a career-high 37 points, and Villanova, which trailed by as many as 11, went on to defeat Notre Dame, 74-66. With the win Villanova matched a program record with its 16th straight victory dating back to last season. Matters of the Hart Hart was the only Wildcat … [Read more...] about Rebounds & Putbacks: Villanova 74 Notre Dame 66
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Jackson and Notre Dame learned how to finish
By PAUL GOTHAM BROOKLYN -- On the heels of an Elite Eight finish a year ago, the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish opened the 2015-16 season ranked top 20 in all major polls. By the end of November, Notre Dame stumbled and fell from the rankings not to return until mid-February. "We lost two pretty good players and two great leaders," Notre Dame head coach Mike … [Read more...] about Jackson and Notre Dame learned how to finish
Kentucky’s defense proved its ability to adapt
By PAUL GOTHAM Entering Saturday's Elite 8 game against Notre Dame, Kentucky's Wildcats boasted the numbers of the top-rated defense in the country. UK led the nation in field goal percentage defense (.351), ranked second in blocks (6.9), third in 3-point field goal defense (.270) and third in points allowed (53.9) per game. Facing one of the nation's top-rated offenses … [Read more...] about Kentucky’s defense proved its ability to adapt
Rebounds & Putbacks: Kentucky 68 Notre Dame 66
Scattering of thoughts about Kentucky's win over Notre Dame in the Midwest Regional final. Decisive run Kentucky hit their last nine shots from the floor and scored on 10 of their last 11 possessions. Notre Dame missed their last three shots. Up to that point, the Irish had hit 49 percent from the floor against the nation's top-rated defense. Living with the … [Read more...] about Rebounds & Putbacks: Kentucky 68 Notre Dame 66
Casual New Years Eve
by Wally Before y'all go out and celebrate, a few things to ponder and debate before we hit the boatload of games coming our way Saturday: * I'm still surprised that Miami is favored over the Irish by 2 1/2 in today's Sun Bowl. I woulda pegged ND the fave by 4 or so. I guess Miami is still viewed to have superior team speed and athleticism, etc, but they sure didn't … [Read more...] about Casual New Years Eve