After a 2-6 start in ACC play things looked bleak for Notre Dame basketball in 2020. Although ultimate goals weren’t reached in the regular season and plenty of heartbreak was had in close calls, the regular season ended Saturday with a 64-56 Senior Day win over Virginia Tech. With the win Notre Dame finishes the regular season 19-12 overall and 10-10 in conference play.
Don’t expect Saturday’s win to be replayed on ESPN Classic anytime soon as the teams combined for 26 assists but 25 turnovers. The Irish and Hokies also combined to shoot under 40% from the floor.
With the rough there was still good, especially in the form of TJ Gibbs for Notre Dame as the senior guard led all scorers with 22 points.
John Mooney had a rare day that didn’t end with a double-double as he scored just seven points but pulled down 13 boards.
Notre Dame was in control virtually all afternoon and allowed just 17 first half points to Virginia Tech, who finishes the regular season 16-15 and 7-13 in ACC play.
With the win Notre Dame secures the seventh seed in the ACC Tournament and will be in action Wednesday when they play one of North Carolina, Boston College or Virginia Tech again.
Aside from running the table in the ACC Tournament it would appear Mike Brey and the Fighting Irish will be headed to the NIT for the second time in the last three seasons.