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No. 4 Notre Dame Gets Big Game From Turner, Downs Virginia, 75-54

By Nicholas D. Blazek

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Overall, Notre Dame freshman Brianna Turner has had a fantastic season. And what makes her even better is that she’s aware of the flaws in her game. On Thursday night she was very pleased with her zero turnover effort in the Irish 75-54 win over Virginia.

Turner posted a 26 point, 13 rebound effort, but for only the third time this season did she not turn the ball over. In 21 games, she has turned it over 52 times. A night off of giving it away was a relief for the 6-foot-3 forward.

"”I probably lead the country in turnovers, so it’s nice to have a night without some,” she said."

The Irish (22-2, 9-1 ACC) used a decisive advantage is size, as Turner was the main beneficiary. Notre Dame parlayed it into a 50-18 domination of points in the paint.

Jewell Loyd suffered through a tough shooting night, but still managed to score 14 points for the Irish, doing most of her damage at the free throw line (6-for-8) by being aggressive to the basket.

Kathryn Westbeld continues to give coach Muffet McGraw solid minutes, as she scored six points, while grabbing four rebounds and adding two assists in just 14 minutes on the floor.

The Cavaliers (15-8, 5-5) were able to cut the lead to five in the first half, after being down at one point by 15. Faith Randolph was the only player to reach double figures, scoring 16 in the losing effort. The Irish increased the lead to 10 at the break, but the Cavs were able to keep pace with them much of the second half.

Sarah Imovbioh had 16 rebounds for Virginia, but only three points – all from the free throw line. Coach Joanne Boyle said she was happy with her team’s performance till the Irish were able to take over late in the game.

"”Great teams do what great teams do, and they really pushed it on us,” she said."

Notre Dame has now hosted every ACC team but one, the North Carolina State Wolfpack. They aren’t scheduled to play at Purcell Pavillion this season. Next up, the No. 4 Irish will travel to play at Boston College on Sunday.