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NDMBB: Regular Season Wraps Up at Pittsburgh

By Chase Eyrich

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 16: John Mooney #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots over Jack Salt #33 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on February 16, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 16: John Mooney #33 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish shoots over Jack Salt #33 of the Virginia Cavaliers in the first half during a game at John Paul Jones Arena on February 16, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /
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Notre Dame and Pittsburgh prepare for the season finale Saturday.

The conclusion of the 2018-19 regular season cannot come fast enough for Notre Dame and Pittsburg. While Saturday will be a game to determine last place in the ACC, the youthfulness of both programs will produce some light looking to the future.

While this season was supposed to be better for the Irish due to the talent, they have experienced much of the same issues as Pitt.

Three of the four leading scorers for the Panthers this season are freshman. On top of a young squad, Pittsburgh is lead by Jeff Capel who has just as much of experience as the freshman do with the program.

His first season has been a tough one that has continued to linger.

The Irish on the other hand are riding their longest losing streak as well. Falling to Clemson in yet another close game, Notre Dame dropped its sixth game in a row.

Just as they have all season, inexperience has led to mistakes that have taken potential wins. The Irish are in need of confidence. A win over Pittsburgh could be just that.

Led heavily by guard play, Notre Dame will look to Temple Gibbs and Prentiss Hubb to slow down Pitt’s offensive production.

Xavier Johnson seemingly has been able to do it all for Pitt this season with 15.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 4.5 apg.

While the Irish guards will look to control the tempo, it’s hard to tell how anyone is going to be able to slow down John Mooney and his current tear.

The junior is coming off of an 18-point, 20-rebound and five assist game against Clemson. His domination was a huge reason why Notre Dame was able to keep the game close and give them a chance in the end.

This game holds little value heading into the ACC Tournament, but a win could be the beginning of what both teams hope to be a very developmental offseason.

Next. 2020 QB Commits to ND. dark

The two programs will tip off Saturday at noon ET to wrap up the regular season.