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Quick Hits: Notre Dame's 77-74 Loss To Miami

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Notre Dame (16-12, 6-9) was unable to overcome a late run by Miami (19-8, 8-7) Monday night in a 77-74 loss to the Hurricanes.

The Irish led by five (62-57) with under eight minutes to go before the Hurricanes ripped off a 13-0 run during a five-minute stretch to take a 70-62 advantage with just over three minutes remaining.

Here are Blue & Gold Illustrated's quick hitters, notes and stats from the Irish loss. A full recap of the game can be FOUND HERE.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Though he was the third leading scorer of the game at 14 points, Miami center Ebuka Izundu played a pivotal role in the outcome of the game.

Izundu scored eight points in a nine-minute stretch to help the Hurricanes turn a four-point deficit into a five-point lead. His offensive rebound and layup put Miami up 77-72 with just over 10 seconds to play to keep the Irish from tying it late.

Notre Dame couldn’t stop Izundu down the stretch and the Irish paid for it.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME

Irish point guard Matt Farrell hit a three-pointer with 1:09 left to cut Miami’s lead to 72-70 forcing Miami having to answer in order to keep the Irish from taking the lead.

Miami guard Lonnie Walker found a driving teammate in Anthony Lawrence, who made a tough layup while being fouled by Irish forward Elijah Burns. Lawrence converted the and-one opportunity to put Miami up 75-70 with about 45 seconds to play.

The Hurricanes needed a clutch play and Lawrence provided it.

TOUGH LOSS TO SWALLOW

You could tell in the faces of the Irish players who were made available to the media following the game. They knew last night would have been a big victory for Notre Dame’s tournament chances, but it slipped away.

The Irish shot 60 percent in the second half, but it still wasn’t enough to take down Miami. A win over the Hurricanes would have made getting to 9-9 very realistic with games against Wake Forest, Pittsburgh and Virginia remaining. Now, the Irish have to pick up all three in order to get to 9-9. Not impossible, but it will be a tall task.

WHAT THE LOSS MEANS

Like mentioned above, Notre Dame had a golden opportunity to pick up a good resume win and put 9-9 very much in reach.

Now, the Irish will have to beat Wake Forest and Pittsburgh, which is very doable, but also beat potential No. 1 Virginia on the road in order to accomplish their .500 goal.

A win over Miami would have put the bubble in sight for the Irish. With last night’s loss, it still remains very much in the distance for now.

PLUS/MINUS

TJ Gibbs: -3

Matt Farrell: -3

Martinas Geben: -3

John Mooney: -3

Elijah Burns: +1

Nik Djogo: -4

Austin Torres: 0

OTHER STATS OF NOTE

Miami went on a 13-0 run during a near five-minute stretch (7:32-2:33) to turn a five-point deficit into an eight-point lead.

The Hurricanes scored 17 points on 12 Irish turnovers. Notre Dame countered with seven points on eight Miami turnovers.

Notre Dame outscored Miami 40-28 in the paint.

The Irish won the rebounding battle 33-25 including 8-7 on the offensive glass.

Miami hit 6-of-14 free throws (43 percent).

Notre Dame started its ninth different lineup the season.

Nik Djogo recorded a career-high five rebounds.

Geben scored in double-figures for the fifth-straight game.

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