Even with Kobe Bryant’s untimely death earlier in the day, basketball still had to go on. For Notre Dame, that meant a road game against Virginia. Unfortunately for the Irish, it also meant another chapter in a disappointing season. This time, it was a 90-60 loss.
The Irish (7-13, 2-6) shot 32.1 percent from the field, which was enough for the Cavaliers (8-12, 3-6), who shot 47.2 percent. Virginia outscored Notre Dame, 34-17, in the second quarter, breaking open what had been a seven-point contest. Further hampering the Irish’s efforts was a stretch in the third quarter in which they missed 17 consecutive shots en route to a 1-of-18 showing in that quarter. By the time it was over, Muffet McGraw had emptied her bench.
Local native Sam Brunelle, who played almost the entire game, led all scorers with 21 points and four 3-pointers. Katlyn Gilbert scored 16, and Destinee Walker had an 11-point outing despite shooting 2 of 12 from the floor.