NOTRE DAME, Ind. – John Mooney’s career night of 24 points and 12 rebounds was not enough for the Irish, as Notre Dame (2-1) suffered its first defeat of the season by a final score of 63-60 against Radford (3-0).
Eighteen of Mooney’s career-high 24 points came off six makes from three-point range. The other Notre Dame player to finish in double figures was junior T.J. Gibbs, who scored 11 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish used a hot start from beyond the arc to jump out to an early 15-5 lead over the opening eight minutes of action. Mooney connected on his first four shots from three-point range and Robby Carmody added a make from distance for the team’s first 15 points. Radford managed to cut the Irish lead to one at 24-23 but Notre Dame closed the half by outscoring the visitors 10-5 to take a 34-28 lead into the break.
The Highlanders chipped away at the Irish lead and managed to take the lead at 41-40 with over 16 minutes left in regulation. The lead exchanged hands over the next few minutes before the Notre Dame offense went cold for a stretch, allowing Radford to take its largest lead of the night at 59-53 with just under five minutes to play.
After the score moved to 61-55 aft the four-minute mark the Irish cut the visitor’s advantage to three points at 61-58 but Radford answered with a finish at the rim with 55 seconds left to push its lead back to five. After a bucket from Mooney made the score 63-60 the Irish had one last chance to tie the game but the three-point attempt was off the mark, sealing the Radford victory.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Mooney carried the Irish offense on Wednesday, scoring a career-high 24 points on 8-of-16 shooting. The junior did the majority of his damage from range, connecting on 6-of-9 shots from beyond the arc. Mooney also grabbed 12 rebounds, notching the first double-double of his season and second of his career.
NOTRE DAME STAT OF THE GAME
The Irish finished with a season-low four turnovers on Wednesday.
NOTES OF THE GAME
- Mooney connected on his first five three-point attempts. The last player to achieve the feat was Matt Farrell, who made nine in a row on Feb. 17, 2018 at Boston College.
- Mooney’s 24 points are the most any Notre Dame player has scored this season.
- Gibbs scored 11 points and has now recorded 10-plus points 36 times in his career.
UP NEXT
Notre Dame will host William & Mary at noon ET on Saturday, Nov. 17 at Purcell Pavilion as part of the Gotham Classic. The game will air live on ACC Network Extra via the WatchESPN app.
To purchase tickets visit UND.com/BuyTickets.