Quick Hits: Notre Dame's 84-69 Win Over Florida State
Notre Dame picked up its second-straight win Saturday evening taking down Florida State 84-69.
The Irish used a 32-17 run over the final 10 minutes to pull off the win and moved to 15-10 overall and 5-7 in league play.
Here are Blue & Gold Illustrated's quick hitters, notes and stats from the Irish win. A full game recap can be FOUND HERE.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Irish point guard Matt Farrell hit a three-pointer on the very first possession of the game and never looked back.
The senior wound up scoring a career-high 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting and hit six three-pointers in the process. He added four rebounds and five assists to his totals as well.
Farrell hit a couple big shots throughout including ones to stop Florida State runs and keep momentum with the Irish. It sure looks like Farrell is completely healthy or darn near close to it.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE GAME
While Notre Dame’s offense played well again yesterday afternoon, it was the defense that helped the Irish pull off the 15-point win.
Notre Dame was up 61-58 with 7:27 left before the defense held the Seminoles scoreless for over four minutes to pull away and eventually take a 73-58 lead before Florida State hit another basket.
The team’s defense has slipped in recent games allowing the last three opponents — Duke, NC State and Boston College — to all shoot 49 percent or better from the field. Florida State finished at 40.6 percent (26-of-64).
RIGHT DIRECTION
After a month long slump and seven-game losing streak, Notre Dame has officially broken out of it with this two-game win streak over Boston College and Florida State.
The Irish are hitting shots and the defense may be turning the corner after holding a good Florida State offense to 69 points. There is still a long way to go, but the past week certainly has to instill some bounce into Notre Dame’s step during the final stretch of the regular season.
STARTING GUARD PLAY
Notre Dame’s guards were terrific against the Seminoles. Due to the length inside, it was expected the Irish perimeter players would have to knock downs and did they ever.
Along with Farrell’s 28 points, Notre Dame also got a career-high from junior Rex Pflueger with 19 points. Sophomore TJ Gibbs also added 19 giving the trio a combined 66 points which almost outpaced the entire Florida State team.
Farrell and Gibbs are the top two scoring options for the Irish. If Pflueger is confident and hitting shots, the Irish perimeter can be tough to handle.
WHAT THE WIN MEANS
Notre Dame picking up this one was big. Sure, it only moves the group to 5-7 in league play. But, it’s one step closer to potentially finishing at .500 which is likely the record needed to be in a position for an NCAA Tournament berth.
The Irish have three very winnable games against Boston College and Wake Forest on the road and Pittsburgh at home. It isn’t out of the question that Notre Dame can win all three and at worst be 8-10 in the league with a healthy Bonzie Colson and DJ Harvey back in the mix for the ACC Tournament.
There’s a long way to go, but Notre Dame has some confidence and winnable games ahead.
PLUS/MINUS
TJ Gibbs: +12
Matt Farrell: +19
Rex Pflueger: +22
Martinas Geben: +22
John Mooney: -3
Elijah Burns: +17
Nik Djogo: -1
Austin Torres: -7
Matt Gregory: -3
Liam Nelligan: -3
OTHER STATS OF NOTE
Notre Dame only trailed for 22 seconds in the win.
Both teams had 35 rebounds while the Seminoles won the offensive glass battle 11-5.
Florida State’s bench outscored Notre Dame’s 25-8.
The Seminoles had 14 second-chance points to Notre Dame’s five.
Notre Dame is now 12-1 when leading at the half.
The Irish are 10-0 when scoring 80-plus points this season.
The senior class of Colson, Farrell, Geben, Torres and Gregory tied to the school record for 97 wins.
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