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Notre Dame Basketball: Irish Earn Five Seed in 2017 NCAA Tournament

By Noah Strackbein

Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) controls the ball against Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Steve Vasturia (32) controls the ball against Duke Blue Devils guard Luke Kennard (5) during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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After finishing second in the 2017 ACC Tournament, Notre Dame basketball earns the fifth seed in the West region.

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With a 25-9 (12-6) record, Notre Dame knew heading into Selection Sunday, that their chances of earning a seed within the top five of a region were pretty high. Now that the bracket is complete, the Fighting Irish prepare as the five seed in the West region.

Looking at Notre Dame’s resume, it was clear they’ve earned a high seed. As the runner-up in the ACC Tournament, their conference tournament week alone was enough to boost their seeding. Even with a loss to Duke, the Irish finished with two wins over Florida State, a win over Louisville and an impressive victory against Virginia.

The Fighting Irish will take on Princeton in the opening round of the tournament. The top seeds in the region is No. 1 Gonzaga and No. 2 Arizona. From there, Florida State, who lost to Notre Dame in the semifinals in the ACC Tournament, earned the third seed. Maryland, St. Mary’s, Xavier, and West Virginia will be some of the favorites in this region.

Although their conference season didn’t end the way they had hoped, they did build enough momentum to carry them into the tournament. With their seniors looking to get past the Elite Eight after runs the last two years, Notre Dame is primed to win in March.

With a chip on their shoulder following Saturday’s loss to Duke, the Fighting Irish will be looking to prove something in each game. Behind Matt Farrell, Bonzie Colson, and their seniors, V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia, the Irish are in good shape.

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As Mike Brey heads to his 14th NCAA Tournament, his 12th with Notre Dame, he looks to bring his passion and experience to the court with his players. The Irish know what they’re doing in March. With the season they just wrapped up, their expectations are high, and their possibilities are endless.

Notre Dame opens their 2017 NCAA Tournament run Thursday against Princeton in Buffalo, New York.