Notre Dame basketball will have a showdown with an ACC powerhouse, Virginia Cavaliers, Saturday afternoon, on Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. local time. The Fighting Irish are having a slow start to their ACC conference play, as they are just 2-5 against their ACC opponents this season.
The odds seem to be stacked against them as the program’s history shows they struggle immensely in John Paul Jones Arena and have a hard time when they face Virginia overall. Fighting Irish are on the brink of entering a new era of success if they can get a win Saturday, but if the Irish fall once again, it will be another painful chapter in a story filled with missed opportunities. Either way, this Saturday will be a defining moment for Notre Dame basketball.
Odds are stacked high against Notre Dame basketball for Saturday's showdown
The Irish are known to put on an underwhelming performance in John Paul Jones Arena, however the Irish are coming off one week break and have had plenty of time to prepare for this showdown Saturday.
The Fighting Irish has had major struggles against UVA in their history, and specifically when they play in the state of Virginia. ND has a depressing 0-9 record at John Paul Jones Arena, as they are winless in their history series with the Cavaliers when they play UVA in their home stadium.
Their recent track record at Virginia makes this matchup one that many believe could end in disappointment for the Irish. Notre Dame has an abysmal record of 4-18 overall against the Cavaliers, including a 70-49 blowout loss at John Paul Jones Arena back in 2014.
The closest the Irish got to a victory over the Cavaliers in UVA was in 2020 when they took Virginia to overtime but fell short 50-49. Irish were up 49-47 under 30 seconds in regulation, and looked like they were going to secure that first road win, but Mamadi Diakite hit a fade-away jumper to send the game into overtime with just 25 seconds left.
The Irish often fall just short against Virginia as four of their nine losses at UVA have been by six or less points. The challenge for Notre Dame this Saturday is monumental, and not only will they need to break a 0-9 record at Virginia in their home stadium, but they also are the better team this year.
UVA is currently 9-10 on the year with a 2-6 ACC conference record. Both teams most recent win is against Boston College and look to turn the tide of the season this Saturday. The Irish have a big stretch coming up that can flip their whole season around, but it starts with breaking history and winning at John Paul Jones Arena Saturday for the first time in school history.
Saturday represents an opportunity for Notre Dame to go on a mid-season win streak and show the fans the new era of Irish basketball. Notre Dame is a slight favorite over the Cavaliers, and a win over Virginia would not only end Notre Dame season struggles, but will etch this program into the history books.