Notre Dame Basketball: Can They Beat the Kentucky Wildcats?

Irish need to play the way they’ve played most of the year

Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

After two games of a defensive grind, the Irish got back to the style of play that makes them dangerous. Being efficient on offense, and hitting the three. Some on the outside may believe that Notre Dame lives and dies by it–which in past years might not have been untrue. But this team is well-rounded offensively, and doesn’t need the three to win games–in most cases.

Yes, once again, Kentucky has size. But the Irish have played teams with size in the ACC this year, so it’s not unfamiliar territory. Granted, none of them were the undefeated Wildcats, but Notre Dame won’t be in “awe”. They are coming in to win, not compete.

The Irish move without the ball and cut and screen as well as any team in the nation. The Wildcats size will take out some of the inside back cuts, as they have two rim defenders on the floor at any given time. Notre Dame can score inside, it won’t be impossible, but not like it was against the Shockers on Thursday night.

Next: Protect the ball