The Wolfpack hands Notre Dame its seventh straight loss in blowout fashion.
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina Saturday afternoon for what would prove to be a forgettable performance against the up-and-coming North Carolina State Wolfpack.
In the first half, the offensive woes continued for the Irish; Notre Dame didn’t reach double digits until there was 7:30 left on the clock. They were able to keep it somewhat close over that stretch, but then the awful offense and turnovers eventually caught up to them. The Irish headed into the break down 37-21. Notre Dame shot 26 percent from the floor in the first half, while NC State shot 50 percent. The Irish were 3-13 from three.
The second half was more of the same, as Notre Dame was unable to stay close at all. The Irish did shoot a little better from three in second half, but were still doomed by turnovers and missed layups. On the other hand, N.C. State continued their hot streak on offense, leading by as many as 29 points. The final was 76-58.
The Irish never led in the game. They haven’t shot over 40 percent in their last 8 games. Mike Brey stated that he wants Bonzie Colson to be as healthy as possible when entering the NBA draft process, so we may never see Bonzie play in a Notre Dame jersey again. Matt Farrell looked tired and rusty after missing five of the last seven games. John Mooney was limited with an ankle sprain sustained in practice. D.J. Harvey is still out.
I’d say this team has seen some adversity. I don’t blame them for looking a little bored and disinterested on the court in the second half of this one.
On the bright side, Matt Farrell did come alive to lead a late 8-0 run and cut the N.C. State lead to 20. Hopefully getting going against lax blowout defense will help get him back to form. He finished with 16 points on 5-13 shooting, 4-10 from three. The Irish were out-rebounded 38-26, and finished with 15 turnovers. Gibbs chipped in 14.
The Irish get the Boston College Eagles at home on Tuesday.
