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Notre Dame Basketball: Irish Win ACC Opener over Georgia Tech, 68-59

By Chase Eyrich

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana won 80-77 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 16: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts against the Indiana Hoosiers during the Crossroads Classic at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on December 16, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana won 80-77 in overtime. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Notre Dame basketball team won their ACC season opener over Georgia Tech 68-59.

It was a historic day for Notre Dame hoops. Bonzie Colson became the eighth Notre Dame player to have 1,500 points and 800 rebounds. Not to be outdone, Mike Brey tied Digger Phelps for most wins in program history.

First Half

Georgia Tech ran out of the gates, shooting 4-of-6 to open up a 9-5 lead. But, things began to slow down as it was a strong defensive performance by both teams.

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The Irish just could not seem to find a decent shot as they started the game shooting 3-10. It was not just the Irish struggling to find the bottom of the net. Both teams combined for 7-23 from the floor.

Mike Brey went to the bench early to find answers. John Mooney and Nikola Djogo both came in looking to make an impact.

Even with the relentless defense of Georgia Tech, Matt Farrell connected on two deep and contested threes. He would keep the Irish within striking distance.

However, the shooting woes would continue. Besides for a field goal for both teams near the end of the half, both teams combined 0-for-13 for a stretch.

Second Half

Out of the locker room, Notre Dame came out running. As the Irish ran, they found some quick transition buckets to take the lead in the second half.

Bonzie Colson, who was defended well in the first half, became more aggressive in the second half. Pulling down boards, keeping plays alive and driving into the lane, Colson came alive for Irish. Colson had a historic game, coming away with his ninth double-double of the season.

Colson would continue to have a strong second half. Mid-way through the half, Rex Pflueger hit two shots from behind the arc. Pflueger facilitated the offense by tying his career high with 6 assists.

The Irish continued the second half surge. Colson dominated on the boards. Finishing with a career-high 17 rebounds, Colson took control adding in 22 points.

Georgia Tech failed to match the Irish energy down the stretch. Notre Dame ran away for a 68-59 victory.

Up Next

Mike Brey will have the opportunity to become the all-time winningest coach in program history against North Carolina State. The game is slated for a 9 PM ET tip inside Purcell Pavilion.