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Notre Dame Basketball: Irish can’t slow down NC State in 7th straight loss

By Chase Eyrich

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame basketball continued to plummet with a 76-58 loss to NC State, marking the seventh straight loss for the Irish.

Coming in, Notre Dame basketball fans knew that the 30-point victory earlier in the season was not going to be the case this time around versus NC State.

The only similarity between the January 3rd matchup and this one was the constant growth of the injury report. John Mooney was questionable in addition to Bonzie Colson and D.J. Harvey still out. Mooney ended up playing 19 minutes he didn’t have anything to show for it. Besides for one rebound, his stat line was full of zeros.

Matt Farrell’s return

Matt Farrell made his return after missing the last two games with a bone bruise. His influence, while productive, wasn’t enough. It wasn’t until the very end of the first half that it looked like Farrell had any bounce in his step. Before that, he looked slow and off the pace. Of course, it takes time to get back up to game speed. So while Farrell led the way in points, there were no excuses for anyone else.

It was a horrific start for the Irish. NC State opened up the game on a nine to zero run while Notre Dame missed their first four shots. Things didn’t get much better.

Once again there was another team who could expose Notre Dame’s 2-3 zone. Constantly the Wolfpack had no problem getting to the middle of the zone and finding someone open behind the arc.

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In a game where the Irish shot only 7-27 from the field in the first half, they were unable to take care of the boards as well. Martinas Geben led the way for Notre Dame but only came away with six rebounds. The slower production from Notre Dame has been in part from Geben being unable to perform like he did only a few weeks ago.

This is a team who has lost their identity in all the injuries. With the exception of an 8-0 run in the second half, the Irish couldn’t find their rhythm. Head coach Mike Brey threw out a few different looks but nothing would click.

Temple Gibbs hit a few big shots, but NC State’s defense played him well. The guard was shut down early on with NC State face guarding Gibbs as long as they could. With 14 points on the day he was held to 4-11 shooting.

The frustration builds as Notre Dame continues to not find answers. The Irish now fall to 13-10 and 3-7 in ACC play, losing seven straight.

Must Read: Notre Dame basketball commit Robby Carmody dominating senior year

Up Next:

Notre Dame will return to Purcell Pavilion this Tuesday to take on Boston College. Tip-off is set for 8 PM ET.