Irish Win First Round Game

(10) Notre Dame: 61

(15) Rutgers: 50

Rutgers gave us a run for our money, but the better team prevailed in a hard fought battle.  Notre Dame's victory became the first non-upset of this years Big East Championship and was a major sigh of relief.  With Cincinnati's and Georgetown's thin bubbles bursting earlier today, the Irish now need to most likely win two more games to be considered for a tournament spot.  The team is acting very confident, their goal is 5 games not 3.  

Kyle McAlarney and Ryan Ayers both hit their 3-point attempts today finishing with 11 and 10 points respectively.  Zach Hillesland also showed to a threat on offense early in the game, which I believe was big.  Proving he could score early made his defender have to guard him instead of just looking to help on Gody.  He finished with 6.  Tyrone Nash got his usual hustle plays as well as contributing 9 points.  A good game for him.

Gody struggled all game.  He only finished with 7 points on 3-17 shooting.  His lack-luster performance did earn him a lot of rest though.  We will obviously need him going forward in the tournament.  

Moving on to West Virginia.  The Irish lost to WV on the road in their only game to them this season.  The loss was not bad and on a neutral court it should be much closer.  I can hardly wait till next game.