CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. - Notre Dame delivered a commanding performance against the Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, securing a decisive 74-59 victory at John Paul Jones Arena. The win marked a historic milestone for the Fighting Irish, as it was their first-ever triumph in Charlottesville, breaking an 0-9 record. The win was also the first ACC win on the road this season for the Fighting Irish.
A Strong Start
From the opening tip-off, Notre Dame (9-10, 3-5 ACC) established its dominance. The team came out firing on all cylinders, quickly building a double-digit lead that would set the tone for the rest of the game. By halftime, the Irish had built a comfortable 12-point advantage, leading 39-27. The early momentum was fueled by sharp shooting and tenacious defense, allowing them to control the pace and rhythm of the game.
Markus Burton Shines
Markus Burton was undoubtedly the star of the night, leading all scorers with 21 points. His performance was particularly impressive given that he had recently returned from a 39-day injury hiatus. Burton showcased his scoring prowess by shooting 7-of-14 from the field and an impressive 4-of-6 from three-point range. Beyond his scoring, he contributed three assists, demonstrating his ability to facilitate plays and involve his teammates. Burton scored the first 9 points for the Irish in the game.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Tae Davis also had a standout performance, contributing significantly with 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. His versatility on both ends of the court was crucial in maintaining Notre Dame's lead. Blake Shrewsberry added depth to the scoring effort with 13 points, including three crucial three-pointers that helped keep Virginia at bay. Kebba Njie played a vital role in controlling the boards, securing a team-high seven rebounds. His presence in the paint allowed Notre Dame to dominate the rebounding battle with a commanding 39-27 advantage. This rebounding prowess translated into 28 points in the paint and seven second-chance points, further emphasizing their control of the game.
Virginia’s Struggles
Virginia (9-11, 2-7 ACC) struggled to find its rhythm throughout the contest. The Cavaliers shot just 40.4% from the field and managed only three successful attempts from the free-throw line out of five tries. Jacob Cofie led Virginia with 17 points, while Isaac McKneely contributed 14 points, hitting four three-pointers but struggling with consistency. Despite a brief surge late in the second half where Virginia trimmed the deficit to just 15 points with a quick 10-0 run—highlighted by a three-pointer from Dai Dai Ames—Burton responded decisively with a layup that silenced any hopes of a comeback from the home crowd.
Defensive Mastery
Notre Dame's defense played an equally pivotal role in their victory. The Fighting Irish forced six turnovers from Virginia while limiting their transition opportunities to just three fast-break points. This defensive pressure not only stifled Virginia’s offensive flow but also allowed Notre Dame to maintain control of the game tempo. The Irish showcased impressive ball control themselves, committing only seven turnovers throughout the game while dishing out 17 assists. This balance between efficient offense and strong defense exemplified their cohesion as a team and highlighted their growth under Coach Blake Shrewsberry.
Game Highlights
Shooting Performance: Notre Dame shot an efficient 48.2% from the field and excelled beyond the arc with a remarkable 52.2% success rate (12-of-23).
Rebounding Dominance: The Irish out-rebounded Virginia by a significant margin (39-27), contributing to their overall control of the game.
Bench Contributions: While Virginia's bench managed only eight points, Notre Dame's reserves added nine points, showcasing depth in their lineup.
Looking Ahead
The Irish are back at Purcell as they host Georgia Tech (9-11, 3-6) on Tuesday, Jan. 28 to take on the Yellow Jackets for the second time this season. Tip is set for 9:00 PM Eastern on the ACC Network. It will be the annual Coaches vs. Cancer game. Notre Dame will then head south as they travel to Miami on Feb. 1 and Florida State on Feb. 4.
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