Irish Seek First Ranked Victory Against #17 Virginia on Tuesday

Notre Dame men’s basketball is gearing up for a significant clash against the Virginia Cavaliers, ranked #17 in the nation. The matchup will take place at Purcell Pavilion on Tuesday, January 27, at 7 p.m. ET, broadcasted on ESPN2. Notre Dame comes off a morale-boosting victory over Boston College, while Virginia seeks to recover after their five-game winning streak was halted by North Carolina.

Recent Performance

Virginia, with a current record of 16-3 and a 5-2 mark in ACC play, nearly led North Carolina by 16 points before succumbing to an 85-80 loss. This loss marked an end to their winning streak, creating a pivotal opportunity for Notre Dame.

If Notre Dame secures a victory, it will not only give Coach Shrewsberry his first victory against a ranked team but also contribute to their total of Quad 1 wins this season. Historically, Notre Dame trails Virginia in their matchups with a record of 5-18, although they have emerged victorious in two of their last three encounters under Coach Shrewsberry.

Coaching Insights

Associate Head Coach Kyle Getter brings familiarity to the court, having previously worked with Virginia’s coaching staff from 2018 to 2023. The last time these two teams met at Purcell Pavilion, Notre Dame dominated with a 76-54 victory, achieving their highest scoring output in this series.

Virginia’s Strengths

The Cavaliers possess a formidable offense, averaging 83.8 points per game—historically among the best in the program’s history. They rank first in the ACC for rebounds per game, averaging 42.1, and stand second nationally for blocks, averaging 6.2. Notably, Virginia has struggled in games where opponents reach 80 points, holding an 0-3 record in those scenarios.

Coaches vs. Cancer Initiative

This game doubles as Notre Dame’s annual Coaches vs. Cancer event. Coaching staff will wear special patches, while players don unique shooting shirts designed by children from the local Beacon Health System. Will Czachowski, a key team member this season, will also receive special recognition and start the game, commemorated with a signed basketball at halftime.

Notre Dame’s Recent Form

In their last game, Notre Dame ended a five-game losing streak with a 68-64 win over Boston College. They made a significant comeback from a 13-point deficit, showcasing strong offensive performance in the second half, scoring 44 points and shooting 50% from the floor.

Player Highlights

• Braeden Shrewsberry: Led the team with 22 points against Boston College and demonstrated effective shooting, especially from beyond the arc.
• Jalen Haralson: Averaging 14.7 points per game, he ranks among the top freshmen in the ACC, showing impressive scoring consistency.
• Carson Towt: Ranked 20th nationally with 9.9 rebounds per game, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.
• Cole Certa: Currently holds the top free-throw percentage in NCAA Division I basketball, making 96.2% of his attempts.

Next Steps for Notre Dame

Moving forward, Notre Dame aims to consolidate its performance and capitalize on the momentum from recent games. Their next challenge against a ranked opponent in Virginia will be crucial for positioning within the ACC and building confidence as part of their season strategy.