Irish fall to Nova

#11 Villanova- 77

Notre Dame- 60

Any realistic chance of making the NCAA Tournament is lost, the Irish have officially fallen off the cliff.  This loss was the final nail in the coffin and it really is too bad.  I really feel for the seniors on the team,  you could tell they wanted it bad.  The only bright spot of the night was Ryan Ayers.  He had 25 points and I am sure everyone appreciated his single handed effort to get a win.  

There is no denying that this was a disappointing season,  because not even the critics at the start of the season thought it would be this bad.  The Irish started in the AP poll at #7 and were looking at a probable 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament.  Now, only months later,  the Irish are only 4 games over .500 and pending a miracle, the Irish will not make the tournament.  It's sad when you think about.  I think it really is simple why, the Irish were not successful.  One, the Irish were slightly over-rated from the start and two, the Irish simple underperformed.  There are 3 games the Irish should have ABSOLUTELY won.  St. John's,  Ohio State, and Cinncinati.  With those wins the Irish would of looked like; 19-9 overall and 9-8 in the Big East.  They would be in.

Now I said there are nor realistic chances for ND to make the tournament, but here are some unrealistic chances:

1.  Win the Big East Tournament, haha.

2. Beat St. John's and win 4 games in the tournament in 4 days. 

3. Beat St. Jonh's and win 3 games in the tournament and be a huge bubble team

If anything worse than scenario 3 happens, don't look for the Irish on Selection Sunday.  Scenario 3 isn't really that unbelievable when you think about it, but it would be very difficult and could also very well not be enough.

However, I still expect the Irish to play with heart going forward.  Their is nothing left to lose so it would be crazy to not have winning the Big East Tournament as your goal right now.  Just leave it all on the court, that's all you can do.