Notre Dame Basketball: Five best Eric Atkins moments

By Greg Hadley | Jul 13, 2016

Feb 13, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey celebrates with former players Eric Atkins and Pat Connaughton and Jerian Grant after Notre Dame defeated the Louisville Cardinals 71-66 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

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Notre Dame beats Louisville at home in 5 OTs

Just by playing in one of the most memorable games in Notre Dame basketball history, Atkins would have had a career-defining moment. But he did much more than that.

In the longest game in Notre Dame history, nobody was on the floor longer than Atkins, who played a full hour of basketball, chipping in 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. He committed the fewest fouls of any starter in the game and was one of just two Irish starters not to foul out.

Oh, and Atkins scored five of Notre Dame’s 11 points in the final overtime period, including a free throw with 38 seconds remaining.

His 60 minutes played is tied for a program record, and it will be a very long time before any other Irish player even has the opportunity to match the feat.

Afterwards, EA was as nonchalant as could be, belying the historic nature of the game.

“I’m not surprised we won,” he said. “I’m surprised it took that long.”

In case anyone has forgot, Notre Dame entered the game ranked 25th in the nation. Louisville was 11th. But I suppose when you go 63-9 on your home floor over the course of your career, you’re pretty confident.

Next: Atkins arrives