ATLANTA, GA. – The first 20 minutes of play looked promising for Notre Dame as a strong collective effort led to a 50-point first half, the most points the Irish have scored in a half this season. But the lead did not hold, as Georgia Tech clawed back in the second and pulled out an 82-80 win.
Nate Laszewski, Prentiss Hubb and Juwan Durham were all stand out players. Together, they contributed 60 points and showcased a 67.56 field goal percentage. Laszewski had a particularly great showing and scored 27 points off a career-high 11 made baskets.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish were a force to be reckoned with in the first half, coming onto the court with a 14-0 run in the first six minutes of play. Notre Dame brought the pressure on defense and prevented GT from scoring their first bucket until the 13:07 mark. The defensive strategy resulted in 10 points off of five forced turnovers.
Three members of the Fighting Irish contributed double digits to the scoreboard in the first half. Hubb and Laszewski contributed five three-pointers and Durham had perfect accuracy sinking 6-of-6 shots from the field. Notre Dame ended the first half with a 50-35 advantage, a program record for the Irish in ACC play.
Georgia Tech came into the second half with a newfound aggression while Notre Dame lost their groove. Laszewski carried the Irish with 15 points and perfect accuracy, making all six of his shots, but it was not enough to maintain the lead. The Yellow Jackets came back and used their momentum to escape with an 82-80 victory.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Laszewski had an exciting performance, scoring 27 points and making 11 FGs, which is a personal career record. Laszewski also managed to finish 6-of-6 in the second half.
NOTES OF THE GAME
- The Irish managed 50 points in the first 20 minutes of play which is a new program record in ACC play for points in a first half
- Hubb turned in a double-double performance with 15 points and 10 assists
- Laszewski made 11 field goals, a new career high
- Hubb rose in the ranks for the Irish on all-time career assists. Now ranking 14th in program history with 394 after tonight’s game
UP NEXT
The Irish face Duke this Tuesday, Feb. 9 at 4:30 p.m. EST. The game will air on ACCN.