No. 5 Notre Dame Crushes Clemson, 90-37
Three days after setting a program record for largest comeback victory ever (23 points) versus No. 6 and orange-clad Tennessee in an 84-70 triumph, No. 5-ranked Notre Dame (18-2 overall, 6-1 in the ACC) set a record in fewest points allowed in an Atlantic Coast Conference game during its 90-37 rout of orange-clad Clemson (11-9, 1-6).
The 53-point margin eclipsed the previous standard of 46 (104-58) versus Boston College on Jan. 11, 2015, and missed by one point for fewest points allowed in an ACC contest, a 74-36 win versus Clemson on Jan. 24, 2015.
The Tigers shot 25.9 percent from the field (15-of-58) and committed 23 turnovers, while the Irish converted 73.3 percent through the first three quarters (61.7 percent final) and held a 58-14 dominance in the paint at game's end.
Junior Arike Ogunbowale and sophomore Jackie Young paced the Irish scoring with 23 points apiece, while combining for 18-of-29 shooting from the floor. Forwards Jessica Shepard (17 points) and Kathryn Westbeld (14 points) barely missed double-doubles, with each grabbing nine rebounds to complement their combined 13-of-15 shooting. Westbeld set the tone early with 10 points (5-of-6 shooting) and four rebounds in nine first-quarter minutes.
“Somebody’s going to get going every night,” said Young, who will wear a custom made facemask the rest of the season to protect her broken nose. “Tonight it was Kat at the beginning of the game … We’re all smart players and we know what we should do. The more games we play, the easier it’s going to be.”
Notre Dame opened the game by converting 15 of its first 20 shots from the field (75 percent) to build a 28-13 advantage by the end of the first quarter, which expanded to 48-21 by halftime. The improving Irish zone defense that began to find itself in the second half of the Tennessee victory on Thursday generated 11 turnovers in the first quarter alone and 23 overall — after forcing 28 versus Tennessee.
Most telling of the dominance was the ball movement and cutting in the offense. Fourteen of the 21 first-half baskets came off an assist, and many came on backdoor cuts that resulted in a resounding 34-10 advantage in points in the paint.
The onslaught continued in the second half with the Irish out-scoring the Tigers 27-13 in the third quarter for a 75-34 cushion heading into the final 10 minutes. Notre Dame was 11-of-15 shooting from the field in the quarter (73.3 percent).
Avoiding a letdown was imperative to head coach Muffet McGraw.
“This was the most important game of the year — and every game from here on out is the most important game,” McGraw said. “I was a little worried about our focus at the shoot-around today but we came out ready. I think maybe we’re just a little bit looser than we had been in the past.
“We’re trying to trap a little bit more and trying to get out in passing lanes more. I think we can still improve, but it definitely was a better effort today.”
Three-Point Play
1. Male Presence
McGraw said once the second semester began this past Monday, the practice atmosphere with the seven scholarship players was elevated because of the return of the male student practice players.
“I think we’re starting to practice harder than what we did before the game (at Louisville) that we don’t want to talk about,” she said. “Since our practice guys are back the intensity of practice has really been so much better. We have to figure out a way to do that because we’ve got to be able to sustain that (without wearing out). Our guards are going to have to play a lot of minutes.”
2. Avoiding Foul Ball
During this week’s three-game home stand, Notre Dame committed only six, 10 and eight fouls as a team — and not one starter had more than two. Whether that will hold true when returning to the road will be interesting, but with a short bench there isn’t much choice for the Irish than to be cognizant of their situation.
“We’re playing smarter — I think that’s probably the biggest improvement that we’ve made,” McGraw said. “We’re able to pressure the ball but still not get into any kind of foul trouble. I think they want to stay on the court, they know how important it is. I think they’re really thinking about that when they’re guarding people.”
3. Taking To The Road
Three of the next four contests will be on the road, starting with a visit to Pitt on Thursday. Sunday contests at No. 12 Florida State (Jan. 28) and No. 15 Duke (Feb. 4) on Super Bowl Sunday will especially be telling. Both will be telecast by ESPN2.
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