Notre Dame Still Hopes To Challenge Kentucky in Elite 8

Yesterday, the Irish struggled to a 67-63 victory over 14-seed Northeastern. Although the lack luster performance against the Huskies does not provide much confidence, UAB and Baylor dropped their matchups versus 14-seeds. Parody continues to grow each year in college basketball. This year is clearly no different.

The motto in March is “Survive and Advance.” Irish hopes remain alive for a matchup against #1 Kentucky. The Wildcats pummeled Hampton, 79-56. Anyone who watched Notre Dame scuffle to a win yesterday may believe the Irish have no chance at challenging the Calipari’s squad of McDonald’s All-Americans.

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Of course, Mike Brey’s team needs to fight their way through Butler and Wichita State, Indiana, Kansas or New Mexico State. But, if given the opportunity, the Irish can challenge this tournament’s overwhelming favorite.

Notre Dame is the antithesis of Kentucky basketball. The Wildcats are the biggest thing on campus, play with “one-and-dones”, possess a deep bench and dominate the interior. The only similarity between the two basketball programs is they are manned by men who use a significant amount of hair product.

The Irish can defeat Kentucky because the experienced and disciplined can light it up from long range.

Additionally, Mike Brey’s “downshifting” concept would force the Wildcats to adjust their lineup. Willie Cauley-Stein and Karl Anthony-Towns could be on the court at the same time. However, one of them would draw the matchup with Pat Connaughton. Cauley-Stein and Anthony-Towns are great players but forcing them to work away from the basket helps neutralize them on defense. Drawing them away from the basket gives Demetrius Jackson and Jerian Grant a fighting chance at attacking the rim.

The Irish Defensive game plan would resemble the approach they took against Jahlil Okafor in the ACC Semifinal. Mike Brey would instruct his guards not to help Zach Auguste and others in the post. Brey essentially wants to exchange UK 2-point baskets for Irish 3-pointers.

Finally, limiting the amount of the possession and pace could neutralize the Kentucky depth and athleticism. In previous years, Brey instituted the “burn” offense instead of this year’s scorch nets program. Rebooting the “burn” would help the Irish in this matchup.

Ultimately, the Irish need to reach the Elite 8 to put this game plan in action. Even if Notre Dame gets an opportunity, the Irish defeating the Wildcats is still a long shot. Wisconsin is most ideally suited to beat Kentucky for the same reasons stated above. However, Frank Kiminsky’s ability to “pick and pop” further eliminates the shot blocking ability of Cauley-Stein and Anthony-Towns.
Notre Dame faces Butler on Saturday at approximately 9:40 p.m.