| GAME 2: | NOTRE DAME (1-0) |
|---|---|
| OPPONENT: | BUFFALO (2-0) |
| WHERE: | SOUTH BEND, IN | PURCELL PAVILION |
| WATCH: | ACCNX |
| LISTEN: | NOTRE DAME RADIO NETWORK | CLICK HERE |
| LIVE STATS: | STATBROADCAST |
| TICKETS: | PURCHASE ONLINE |
| SOCIAL: | @NDMBB | #GOIRISH |
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame men’s basketball team will end the year with the Cavaliers. The Fighting Irish (5-7, 0-1) jump into ACC play with three straight league games at home, starting with (RV/RV) Virginia on Saturday, Dec. 30. That matchup will tip off at Noon ET on ACC Network.
Saturday’s contest inside Purcell Pavilion also marks 574 Day. The Fighting Irish want to pay homage to both its homegrown talent that has come through the program, along with showing gratitude for our local community and its support. With that said, the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a special 574 hat.
LET US BEGIN
The Cavaliers enter the contest at 10-2 on the year and 1-0 in ACC play, knocking off Syracuse earlier in the month by the score of 84-62. Virginia was just in the top-25 at No. 22 before a loss to No. 23 Memphis on Dec. 19 knocked them out.
It has been a one-sided rivalry between the Irish and Cavaliers as UVA owns a 17-3 advantage. Yet, the last time these two played in Purcell, the Irish earned their first win against them in South Bend, taking it 69-65 on Jan. 29, 2022. Last season, Notre Dame traveled to Charlottesville, where they almost picked up their first win inside JPJ Arena, as Dane Goodwin’s buzzer-beating three fell short, losing 57-55. Over the last six games between the two, the average margin of victory has been 5.7 points.
Virginia ranks 2nd in the country in scoring defense, allowing just 54.3 ppg. They also rank 2nd in turnovers per game (8.6) and 4th in turnover margin (6.0).
There is a common connector now between the two programs in Notre Dame Associate Head Coach Kyle Getter, who came to South Bend after a successful five-year stint under Tony Bennett at Virginia.
HITTING THE MARK
Point guard Markus Burton has put his name amongst the top freshmen in the country with his stellar play thus far. For those who aren’t acquainted with the local standout from Mishawaka, here are some quick hitters:
- His 16.0 ppg leads all ACC freshmen and ranks 5th nationally amongst DI freshmen.
- He is the only freshman in the country averaging over 15 points, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals per game.
- If the season ended today, Burton’s 16.0 ppg would rank 3rd all-time in the ND freshman record book. The two in front of him – Adrian Dantley (18.3) and Troy Murphy (19.2).
- Burton started his career with five straight games in double figures. He now leads the team with 10 double-digit games.
- Burton picked up his 4th game of 20 or more points against Marist on Dec. 22. The following is a list of the most 20-point games by an Irish freshman: Adrian Dantley (13 in ‘73-74), Troy Murphy (10 in ‘98-99) and David Rivers (10 in ‘84-85).
- He ranks 12th in the ACC in scoring, 10th in assists (3.6), 10th in steals (1.6) and 15th in FT% (.813).
D-UP!
If you are looking for an early Coach Shrewsberry stamp on the program, look no further than the defensive effort by this young Irish squad. In eight of the last nine games, the Irish have allowed 65 points or fewer in regulation. Most notably, limiting the Hurricanes to a season-low in points – 24 points fewer than their season average of 86 points per game.
Notre Dame’s scoring defense of 66.6 ranks 5th in the ACC.
SECOND HALF SURGE
As previously alluded, Burton has had a knack for surging at the right moments in the second half. Five times this season, Burton has scored double-digit points in the second half alone: Niagara, Oklahoma State, Western Michigan, Marquette and Marist.
Burton is averaging a team-best 8.4 points in the second half.
#TRENDING
Burton has produced a stellar five-game stretch, totaling 88 points (17.6 ppg). He has scored double-digit points in all five games, including two of 20+ points. In addition, he has dished out 34 assists over the last eight games (4.3 apg).
J.R. Konieczny has been a bright spot during the non-conference season. The junior has recorded double-digit points in 6 of the last 10 games. If you take out those first two games of the season and look at this 10-game stretch, Konieczny is averaging 11.3 points.
Tae Davis had a big second half vs Marist to lift the Irish to victory. He scored 10 of the team’s final 17 points of the game, as he finished with 12 in the game. Davis made a season-high six made free throws (6-6).
Carey Booth earned his first career start against Marist and recorded 11 points and 6 rebounds. It was his first time back in double figures since game two vs. Western Carolina.
HOME BOOST
Two Irish in particular have thrived at home – Markus Burton and Julian Roper II – both averaging double figures. Burton is averaging 18.0 ppg on 44.2 percent shooting, while Roper II checks in at 10.8 ppg on 48.8 percent shooting.
— ND —