Irish Survive Scarlet Scare: Notre Dame nips Rutgers 71-68

It was 11 a.m. Central time, Sunday, and although no other ranked college basketball team was playing at such an early hour, ESPN refused to air the Notre Dame-Rutgers game on one of its major stations, opting for bowling and billiards instead. While such a baffling move makes you wonder if Notre Dame hater/baiter Dana Jacobson is now not only a host but their program director, me and "Wayward Son" John O'Toole (barely out of bed by tip-off time), were able to find the feed on a fund-driving Indiana public television station, and after two guys looking like Irish versions of the "Superfans" got on and made a pre-game appeal for Irish alumni money, the game—or MOST of it anyway—was on.

Although some critics implied that the tied-for-last-place-in-the-Big-East Scarlet Knights were too crappy to be featured on the big stations of ESPN or ESPN2, even for a far from prime-time showing, Rutgers' wins vs. Syracuse and a ranked Pittsburgh squad—as well as their effort (if not late execution) against the Irish—proved to be must-see sports cable TV.

First of all, give Rutgers credit for almost totally shutting down the Big East's leading scorer and MVP candidate, as the Knights double and triple-teamed, harassed and harangued Irish All-Star Luke Harangody into 5-for-16 shooting, "holding" (at times, literally) the big fellow to a league low 10 points—especially impressive considering Luke had just come off a 32-point, 16 rebound performance at Connecticut.

Obviously, such strategy begs for some outside shooter to beat you and although Notre Dame got up by 10 on two occasions, none of Coach Mike Brey's men were consistent enough to allow Notre Dame to pull away, as the Irish needed a lucky Tory Jackson last-second turnaround heave to make it an 8-point 42-34 ND halftime lead. Usually, when the opposition is focused on shutting down Harangody, the Irish can count on Kyle McAlarney to pick up the slack—especially when the game is anywhere near his home state of New York! But while Kyle had a decent game, finishing with 16 points and 4-of-7 from three-point land, McAlarney hit only 1-of-5 from close range, as the Knights crept closer and closer. In fact, the Knights actually were up three with a chance to extend the lead with under six minutes to play, but Notre Dame's player of the game, Tory Jackson, stole the ball, made his layup, then ignited an 11-0 Irish run. No one can argue with ESPN's assessment of Jackson as a "stat stacker" Sunday, for on a day when Harangody proved human, Tory's near triple-double of 17 points (a season high), 10 assists and 8 rebounds proved huge. Still, Jackson's achilles heel, free throw shooting, again reared its ugly head late in the game, as Tory missed two with under two minutes to play, keeping the outcome interesting.

So the game came down to this. After unsung Irish hero Rob Kurz (11 points and team high 14 rebounds) hit a shot to put the Irish up by three with under a minute to go, Rutgers came back with a two and, with the Irish now up one, the Knights intentionally fouled and put the usually automatic Harangody at the line, shooting a one-and-one with 12 seconds left. And then it REALLY got interesting.

First, with the game (and no doubt thousands of dollars of pledge money) literally on the line, Indiana's finest public TV station went blank. But through radio and replay, I can still relay what happened next—Luke uncharacteristically missed the free throw, but instead of a well-planned Rutgers run-out to take the late lead, the two Scarlet Knight rebounders collided, knocking the ball out of bounds, possession to Notre Dame. This time, the Knights were forced to foul McAlarney, and K-Mac did not miss. Finally, when the Rutgers desperation three feel short (and, after the fact, the public TV feed resumed and flashed the final score, the Irish (19-5, 9-3 in Big East) had escaped with a 71-68 victory.

While McAlarney admitted "we got a little lucky at the end," and Coach Brey conceded, "Our life flashed before our eyes," Tory "Action" Jackson would have none of it. "This is the Big East!" exclaimed the little Irish guard, "and a win is a win. To tell you the truth, I feel we played well enough to win." And while that statement might not have been accurate for each and every Irish player Sunday, in the case of the stat-stacker, it was.

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One "flu" over the Eagles nest: Cold Irish survive Marquette 86-83

You're Coach Mike Brey and it's Saturday, the day of your big rematch with your dreaded Big East rival Marquette. Not only did they annihilate you 92-66 in your last loss nearly a month ago, they were also the last team to beat you here, 34 games and nearly two years ago. So naturally you want, you need everything to be perfect to defeat the 16th ranked Golden Eagles, and preserve your long Notre Dame home-winning streak ... only to hear a knock at your door.

What's that? Three of my starters have the flu? Zach Hillesland, Rob Kurz, and ...

"Oh, no!"

Not Harangody!!!

And yet, that being the case, it only makes Notre Dame's 86-83 triumph all the more remarkable. For certainly during this long winning streak, the Irish have had their share of close calls. But never were the fans' cheers and prayers more necessary to bring their ill heroes home safely to victory.

The never-ending energy and constant noise of Notre Dame's famed home fans, along with the inspired play of Tory (Jackson, 14 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds) and super-sub Luke Zeller (11 points including a monster dunk) were enough to stake the Irish to a 10-point halftime lead. And when Jackson's twisting turning lay-up with just over six to play put the Irish up by 13, no doubt some of Notre Dame's rabid rooters thought this one was over.

Not even close.

For finally, the adrenaline had worn off, the infirm trio were turning as green as the leprechaun's uniform, and Coach Brey seeing the Irish ouside shots no longer falling, called a time out.

"Let's just shoot free throws, guys," was Brey's advice.

"At Notre Dame we are halfway smart," said stellar student Zeller. "So we can add up, and trading 2-for-2 is alright."

Of course for Brey's simple strategy to work, two things had to happen. First, the Irish would have to get fouled, and then they would have to make their foul shots.

And THAT the Irish did, going 10-for-10 from the charity stripe down the stretch. Harangody, who despite the flu, shored only two under his average (18 points, plus 11 rebounds) and made the last four, and when Marquette's three-point attempt at the buzzer fell short, Notre Dame, despite not making a single field goal since Jackson's lay-up, survived.

Wednesday the now 18th ranked Irish play the 17th ranked UConn Huskies in another battle of Big East titans. Notre Dame is now just 1/2 game behind the Georgetown Hoyas for first place in the conference race, but with only two more home court contests to go, the Irish need to get healthy to maintain their lofty spot atop the standings. But for one day anyway, prayers, cheers—and free throws—were enough.

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Seton Hall No Match for Notre Dame: Irish plunder Pirates 95-69

Celebrating their first appearance this season in the national polls, the Irish defeated host Seton Hall by 26, suddenly showing they are a force on the road now as well. After scoring 29 to secure Notre Dame's 33rd straight home victory in their tight Saturday battle vs. DePaul, newly named Big East player of the week, Luke Harangody, came back with another all-around effort yesterday, not only notching 22 points for the 22nd ranked Irish, but amassing 13 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, and 3 steals to boot. Meanwhile, New York native, Kyle McAlarney, who always plays well in his home state, must have decided New Jersey was close enough, not only to purchase the usual 300 tickets for his New York entourage, but to play with his usual "Big Apple" abandon, scoring 19 on sizzling 7-for-11 shooting, including 5-of-7 from the three-point arc. But beyond the big two, what made this game a rout for the 17-4 Irish, was the strong contributions from the "quiet Irish," especially the 17 point, 10 rebound night from steady Irish senior Rob Kurz.

Despite Notre Dame's past road woes, this game was never close, as the Irish pulled away early, accumulating a 47-27 halftime lead. The Pirates (and the ESPN announcers) tried to make it exciting when a full-court pressure, 9-0 Hall run narrowed the gap to 17 with eleven minutes left. However, a 7-0 counter-run by Notre Dame not only ended the evening's drama, but kept the Irish in second place in the Big East with a league record of 7-2.

Notre Dame hosts the 16th ranked Marquette team Saturday seeking both their record 34th straight home victory and revenge for their worst loss of the season, suffered at the hands of the Golden Eagles last month. But that was then and this is now. With their super-sized sophomore (according to Coach Mike Brey), "doing something new every week, to where [after yesterday's lofty hook shots] I just shake my head and say, 'keep going,'" the once average Irish are now hoping to ride the hot hand of "Cool Hand Luke" Harangody into March Madness and their first Final Four appearance since Fighting Irish Thomas was the sports editor for the Notre Dame Scholastic.

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Irish Prevail Over Providence 81-74: ND needs OT to notch 32nd straight home win

The conditions were ripe for an upset. While most of the Irish students still made the game, the snowstorm kept many of the South Bend "townie-zanies" home, thus neutralizing Notre Dame's huge home court advantage. Fortunately, St. Mary, whose Notre Dame grotto was dedicated on the miraculous feast day of Our Lady of the Snows, interceeded long enough to see the Irish score an improbable 81-74 overtime triumph.

After running out to an early double digit lead, the Irish were caught off guard by Providence's double-teaming of Irish star shooting guard Kyle McAlarney, and Notre Dame had to rally to take a 32-31 halftime lead. The home Domers again seemed in control in the second half as their aggressive defense at one point had the firing Friars shooting a horrible 4-for-26 from beyond the 3-point line. Still, poor Irish rebounding on the defensive end, which led to an incredible 22 Friar offensive rebounds, meant Notre Dame could never extend their second half lead beyond eight.

And then, with nothing to lose, Providence pulled out all the stops. Instead of pulling up for contested college-range 3-pointers, the Friars began pulling up for shots way beyond NBA 3-point range—and making them! Suddenly with under a minute to go, the Irish found themselves down 61-59, with surprising Providence big-man Ray Hall at the line with a chance to extend their lead.

But, alas, Hall, who despite starting his first college game ever scored four big inside baskets against the experienced Luke Harangody, was not up to this task. After making his first two free throws, Hall missed eight straight, including these two crucial shots, and the Irish still had a chance. But when Ryan Ayers' wide open 3-pointer with 19 seconds left clanked off the front rim and into the hands of a waiting Friar defender, it appeared the game, and winning streak, was over.

But somehow, Harangody stole an ill-advised Providence pass, put the ball up, and was fouled. Cool hand Luke calmly strolled to the line, sunk both free throws, and the game went into overtime.

Even though the Irish scored 20 in the extra session, the game still wasn't decided until the closing seconds. Threes by Ayers, Rob Kunz, and inside baskets by Harangody and Tory Jackson, had the Irish up 9 with less than a minute to go, but two monster 3s by Friars Brian McKenzie from at least 35 feet brought Providence back to within three with under thirty seconds to go. But Tory Jackson sunk 3-of-4 free throws to seal the decision, as the Irish survived and kept the streak alive.

Harangody with a career-high 31 points (including 9-of-10 from the line) to go along with 14 rebounds, was clearly the hero, but on a night when tough double-teaming held McAlarney out of double digit scoring (Kyle finished with 8 points on 3-for-11 shooting), Jackson's 14 points and 7 assists deserve honorable mention. The Irish go for 33 in a row at home Saturday night when Harangody and his mates host the DePaul Blue Demons. Hopefully, Harangody won't have to carry the whole load Saturday, as he did Thursday, a night when he did everything the writer of this Fighting Irish site could ask for ... in fact so perfect was Luke, I'm tempted to put him on my other site as well ...

A Huckabee-Harangody ticket, anyone? You'll never find two nicer, harder-working guys (with funny sounding names that begin with "H") anywhere on this planet, so it just might work ...

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Irish Vanquish Villanova 90-80; Capture first Big East road contest

Villanova seminary student and standout Catholic blogger, Michael Hallman, was right to circle January 26th on his calendar. The soon-to-be priest knew that Notre Dame was invading 'Nova on that day and while the Irish had proved a formidable opponent at home where they have won 31 straight, they had yet to win a Big East game on the road, and SURELY that would never happen against the 18th-ranked Wildcats.

But yesterday, Michael, as so many others who rooted against the Irish have learned, found out you never say never with Notre Dame.

Buoyed by a starting lineup change by Coach Mike Brey, the Irish, who fell behind big early on the road to both Marquette and Georgetown, came out smoking and virtually never frailed. Zach Hillesland, starting for the slumping Ryan Ayers, scored only two, but played with passion, while in turn, Ayers looked relaxed coming off the bench, scoring 10 including two key three-pointers.

But the big story for the Irish was the usual two suspects, Mr. Inside and Mr. Outside, alias Luke Harangody and Kyle McAlarney. While Luke was pounding away in the paint connecting on 8-of-14 from the field and 9-of-13 from the line (totalling 25 points and 10 rebounds), Kyle was bombing away from the perimeter, connecting on 10-of-15 shots (including 5-for-8 three-pointers), for a game high 30, earning the praise not only of Brey, but from 'Nova coach Jay Wright. "McAlarney was just awesome," conceded Wright. "He hit daggers anytime we even thought about being close."

The Irish led by 10 at the half, and increased the lead to 17 before Brey called the dogs off the 'Cats. Villanova star Scottie Reynolds finished with 13, but thanks to the Irish D, had only one field goal in the first thirty-six minutes, before the Irish put in the subs. Although Notre Dame had nineteen less shots from the field than Villanova, the Irish (shooting 52 percent) made only five less than the cold Cats. Meanwhile the Irish more than made up the margin at the charity stripe taking twenty-six more shots from the free throw line than their stunned hosts, something almost unheard of in beastly Big East play.

"I was happy to see we had a little edge in us," said Coach Brey afterwards, "I guess it's my job to keep them (ticked) off on the road for the next two months." Either that, or put a replica of the Dome and grotto (as well as a rosary) in each of his player's road lockers ...

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Irish Beat Bearcats 91-74: Home streak reaches 31

After trailing at the half due to an atrocious shooting start, the hustlin' Fightin' Irish hoopsters finally remembered they were home and started hitting their shots, turning a 34-27 halftime deficit into a 91-74 triumph over Cincinnati running their winning streak to 31 straight in South Bend.

Notre Dame had just got creamed by 26 points Saturday, at Marquette, and the Milwaukee hangover seemed evident at the start here, as the Irish were shooting a woeful 24 percent going into intermission. But Coach Brey must have taken them outside to look at the Dome at the break, for the Irish roared out and scored 64 after halftime (on 69 percent shooting) putting the game away with a decisive 17-2 run. Nowhere whas the turnaround more evident than with Luke "The Loveable Lug" Harangody, the only Irish lad (29 points against Marquette) to hold his own Saturday. Yesterday, Luke was 0-5 with one point in the first half, but proved it was a fluke by then hitting 6 of 9 from the floor for a game high 25. Kyle McAlarney, held to 8 points at Marquette, regained his magic touch while playing in Our Lady's shadow, scoring 22 verses Cinnci on 7 of 10 shooting, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Tory Jackson again led the Irish in assists with 8, and Rob Kurz chipped in with a 17-pt. 10 rebound double-double.

So while Domers for Huckabee could not pull one out Tuesday, Notre Dame kept FIT's night from being a total loss. Indeed the Huckabee primary season is starting to resemble Notre Dame's Big East basketball results; The Irish's first half flourish and second half withstanding of the physical fouling Huskies echoes Huck's surge in Iowa, followed by his surviving the lying attack ads to win there. The ND blowout by the Golden Eagles resembled Huckabee's loss in New Hampshire, and the Irish's slow starting first half, Tuesday, looked like Huck's luck in Michigan. But the Irish's 24-point second half turnaround, which led to another home victory, may foreshadow a Huckabee triumph in South Carolina, provided the Christians there come out to cheer (and vote) the way they do in South Bend. Remember, Champions of Faith, Lou Holtz, not only coached at Arkansas and became famous at Notre Dame, he also ended his illustrious career as a South Carolina Gamecock. This logic may seem poppycock to the Romney and McCain camp, but I've followed the Irish long enough to know that a Notre Dame connection should never by ignored. Remember O most gracious Virgin ...

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No Blarney, it’s McAlarney! Irish take 30th straight home game 73-67

With both Fighting Irish Thomas and John “Wayward Son” O’Toole in attendance, the rabid home crowd and clutch shooting of Kyle “The Smile” McAlarney saved the Irish from the clutches of the hungry Huskies, as Notre Dame downed Connecticut 73-67, extending its Joyce Center win streak to thirty.

Although most of the students (including the Irish Student Band) were home on winter break, the native South Benders (backed by the small but energetic “Irish Alumni Band”) took up the slack and the crazed home crowd helped the Irish speed off to a 22-6 lead. While McAlarney paced the Irish players at this point with three 3-pointers, Wayward Son inspired the Irish fans, as his resolute cheering led the Leprechaun to fire the first free Notre Dame t-shirt in his direction, which he caught despite an over-the-back attempt by an aggressive man in row 11. With Tory Jackson (11 assists) leading the fast-break, Luke Harangody (14 first-half points) scoring in the middle, and McAlarney (18 first-half points) on fire from everywhere else, the Irish increased their lead to 43-22 shortly before halftime, and it appeared the rout was on. But the Huskies, led by 7-foot-3-inch Hasheem “The Tree” Thabeet had other ideas.

The sign of things to come came with 17 seconds left in the first half. Driving to the basket, Jackson was slammed to the floor by Thabeet, leaving Tory with a severe cornea abrasion. And although Jackson returned to play the entire second half, something (namely Tory’s vision, with one eye swollen almost shut) was missing. Whereas the Irish scored 22 in the first five minutes of the game, the opening five minutes of the second saw them score 2 on a lone McAlarney bucket, and a 25-6 UConn run had cut the Irish lead to 49-47.

The next ten minutes saw intense defense by both sides, but with under 5:00 to play, the Huskies finally overtook the Fighting Irish by a point. The Irish guards looked exhausted, and the play of Thabeet had held the frustrated Harangody (who finished 5 of 23 from the floor) scoreless in the second half. But Jackson, looking like a prize fighter in the 15th round, drove to the basket one more time with 1:52 left and was fouled once again by Thabeet. Proving Coach Brey’s theory that a tired one-eyed Jackson is better than a fresh Jonathon Peoples, Tory made both free throws to extend the Irish lead to six.

“I couldn't see anything,” confessed Jackson, “I just prayed they both went in.”

Still as gutsy as Jackson’s performance was, the night belonged to McAlarney. If the native New Yorker’s performance at Madison Square Garden this November was his hometown redemption, Saturday’s career high 32-point effort, which included 6 of 7 from three-point range as well as clutch shot after shot in the second half, was his vindication in his home away from home. For Kyle had considered quitting Notre Dame after the University had suspended him for a semester for marijuana possession, but the kid who loved the movie Cinderella Man knew HIS comeback, to be true, must come at Our Lady’s University. “THIS was a huge win for us!” said the once and future Irishman McAlarney. “We ground it out … we stayed composed … I can’t stop smiling.”

And, if Wayward Son’s mug was any indication, neither could the Notre Dame faithful, as we marched away under the watchful eye of Our Lady on the Dome.

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Domers for Harangody? Irish conquer Mountaineers 69-56

Fighting Irish Thomas went two for two Thursday, for not only did FIT candidate Mike Huckabee score a huge victory over Mitt Romney in Iowa, but Mike Brey's Irish basketball team defeated West Virginia 69-56 in South Bend.

Luke Harangody led the Irish with a career high 29 points (as well as a team high 16 boards) to help secure Notre Dame's (11-2) 29th straight home win. West Virginia, perhaps still hung over from its stunning Fiesta Bowl football triumph, made on 22 of 69 shots (5 of 25 from 3-point land) while the Irish (24-50) connected on nearly 50 percent. "We felt like this was a statement win," added Irish guard Tory Jackson, who chipped in with 12 points, including two key 3-pointers in the 2nd half to help the Irish pull away.

The Irish go for 30 home wins in a row Saturday against UConn, and rumor has it that Fighting Irish Thomas, as well as "Wayward Son" John may be in attendance. Stay tuned!

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“Afterthought” Irish conquer K-State 68-59

“If there's a God, that shot was going in.”
ND Coach Mike Brey, speaking of Kyle McAlarney's clutch 3-point shot

The marquee name of Notre Dame flashed over New York Tuesday, but all the pre-game hype in the Jimmy V Classic held in venerable Madison Square Garden centered on the tournament's other three teams; Kansas State, Memphis, and USC, and their trio of talented freshmen, Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, and O.J. Mayo. But for one night, at least the Irish proved they still belonged under the bright lights of big-time college basketball, beating K-State 68-59.

In reality Notre Dame really needed this victory, for despite entering this tournament with a 5-2 record, the only contests where the Irish played teams other than cupcakes, they held late second-half leads but still lost each game. And for a moment or two, the same bad dream seemed to be coming true for Notre Dame, Tuesday, as Kansas trimmed a 11-point Irish lead to a single basket with a scant 90 seconds left.

But who better to save the day for Notre Dame than New York native Kyle McAlarney, who rescued the Irish by not only scoring 9 of his 18 points in the last 2 minutes and 10 seconds, but hitting the clutch 3-pointer that Brey prayed for to put the game away. And, for the hometown-boy-turned-hometown-hero, this triumph was monumental, not only because he gave the 250 or so family and friends present at the Garden a thrill they wouldn't forget, but it helped Kyle wipe away the memory of a sophomore season where he was suspended from school for marijuana possession just prior to the Irish's New York appearance.

Michael Beasley justified his advance billing by leading Kansas State with 19 points, but he was eventually worn down by the physical play of ND's Luke Harangody (19 pts., 14 rebounds) who held Beasley to 1 of 8 shooting in the second half. The Irish will next play Memphis (who did hold "THE Mayo" to 16 pts. in its O.T. victory over the Trojans) for the tournament championships.

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Notre Dame Basketball 2007-08: Another "Suffering Irish" season?

Opening the Sports section to read about the Fighting Irish early season basketball results did exactly lead my spirit to "Paradise." Yes, the Irish were playing in the early season "Paradise Jam" tournament held in the Virgin Islands, but, after squandering a 54-44 second half lead only to lose to Baylor 68-64 in the opener, they gave up a 9-point lead to Georgia Tech and fell 70-69 on a 3-point Yellow Jacket bomb at the buzzer to finish the tournament winless not to mention leaving me wondering if basketball would be another "Suffering Irish" season.

While Notre Dame was a slight favorite against the Bearcats, the combined 5-30 shooting of Tory Jackson (2-for-8), Rob Kunz (2-for-11) and Kyle McAlarney (1-for-11) doomed the Irish, despite Luke Harangody's game high 22. Luke again was the leading scorer against Tech with his second straight 22-point game, and while Jackson's (3-for-11) and McAlarney's (3-for-8) shooting was marginally better, Tech's touch especially its 8-for-11 3-point shooting in the second half, was lights out.

The Irish have several more games to get it together before league play, but it they don't get hot soon, bot the weather and the Big East season are bound to be brutal.

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