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Notre Dame Basketball: Irish Drop Close Game to Clemson

By Chase Eyrich

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 04: Nate Laszewski #14, TJ Gibbs #10, and Prentiss Hubb #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish react during the second half of the game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 04: Nate Laszewski #14, TJ Gibbs #10, and Prentiss Hubb #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish react during the second half of the game against Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Another game, another close loss for Notre Dame.

The narrative remains the same — Notre Dame continues to struggle in close games. Clemson hit timely free throws and did just enough to beat the Irish 64-62 Wednesday night.

It was senior night, which meant Liam Nelligan would get his start as the Irish saluted the walk-on.

With it being the last home game of the season, the fans received a nail bitter, but ultimately saw what they have seen so much of this season.

Offensively it was a struggle. Notre Dame started the game off two-of-13 in just over the first ten minutes of the game. The game never got out of hand despite that start.

The Irish were able to keep it close largely due to a run to end the first half. Notre Dame played quickly and flawlessly. With five baskets in a row, the Irish ended the first half with a 9-2 run.

That run would tie the game up at 32 and determined the intensity of the second half.

Clemson’s Marcquise Reed proved to be the problem he has been all season long with 22-points on eight-of-13 shooting.

But, his performance was just a shadow of John Mooney’s.

The big man for the Irish has become a walking double-double and Wednesday night was no different. Mooney finished with 18-points along with career-best 20 rebounds and five assists.

Mooney did everything he could to keep Notre Dame in the game, but when it came down to it, the youth of the Irish was too much to overcome.

Prentiss Hubb had a detrimental turnover late in the game just as the Irish were grabbing the momentum that they needed.

With a chance to win the game, Temple Gibbs let fly an extremely tough and well-guarded three-pointer. His miss would be rebounded by Nate Laszewski, who was fouled and sent to the line.

The freshman would miss his last free throw attempt that would have tied the game.

Next. Notre Dame Hoops: The Irish Are Right Where They Should Be. dark

Once again it was another case of the Irish having the talent, but falling due to inexperience. Saturday will wrap up the regular season as the Irish look for their fourth ACC win and a high note to end the season on.