Notre Dame Seeks Strong Finish on Senior Day Against Cal

Notre Dame will close out its regular season Saturday at Purcell Pavilion, hosting California in a battle of two 13-17 teams looking to build momentum heading into the ACC Tournament. The Fighting Irish (7-12 ACC) are coming off a narrow 56-54 home victory over Stanford, while the Golden Bears (6-13 ACC) hope to rebound after falling to No. 14 Louisville, 85-68.
 
Keys to the Game for Notre Dame
 
1. Markus Burton’s Offensive Prowess
The sophomore guard leads the ACC in scoring during league play, averaging 22.4 points per game. Burton has posted 20 or more points in 14 of his last 17 contests and will be the focal point against a Cal defense allowing 75.7 points per game.
 
2. Defensive Rebounding Against a Physical Cal Frontcourt
Cal leads the ACC with 13.4 offensive rebounds per game, thanks in part to senior forward Mady Sissoko, who is averaging 8.7 rebounds in conference play. Notre Dame must control the glass to limit second-chance points.
 
3. Three-Point Efficiency
The Irish are shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc, while Cal’s perimeter defense has struggled, allowing opponents to shoot 38.0% from deep. If shooters like Cole Certa (7-for-15 from three in his last four games) can get hot, it could tip the balance in Notre Dame’s favor.
 
4. Containing Jeremiah Wilkinson
The freshman guard has been a bright spot for Cal, averaging 19.1 points over his last 12 games. Wilkinson is second among ACC freshmen in scoring and has scored 20 or more points nine times this season.
 
5. Senior Day Emotions
Notre Dame will honor eight players before tipoff, including graduate guards Matt Allocco and Nikita Konstantynovskyi. With the home crowd behind them, expect the Irish to come out with added energy.
 
Prediction
 
Notre Dame has been strong at home (10-5), while Cal has struggled on the road, going 1-8 in conference play away from Berkeley. If the Irish can control the tempo and get Burton into a rhythm early, they should cap off Senior Day with a win.
 
Final Score Prediction: Notre Dame 72, Cal 65
 
Tipoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on ACC Network.
 
The ‘Len’ Zone
https://untitled-x2aqh72.gamma.site