BLACKSBURG, Va. – Notre Dame’s men’s basketball team is set to take on Virginia Tech this Saturday in a highly anticipated clash at Cassell Coliseum, commencing at noon ET on ACC Network. The Fighting Irish have struggled historically against the Hokies, claiming victory in only one of their last nine encounters. However, their recent matchups have been tightly contested, with all of the last seven games decided by single-digit margins and an average victory margin of just 5.4 points.
A win this weekend would hold significant implications for Notre Dame: it would mark their first victory in Cassell Coliseum since 2017, their third road victory of the current season, and their third Quad 1 win. Both teams are seeking redemption following tough losses in the ACC, with Notre Dame experiencing a heartbreaking defeat in California and Virginia Tech suffering a tough loss to SMU via a buzzer-beater.
Defense has been a strong suit for Notre Dame, which ranks among the top defensive teams in the ACC. They will need to bring their A-game against a Virginia Tech team that boasts an impressive offensive output of 81.9 points per game, with six players averaging double figures, led by Amani Hansberry at 15.5 points per game. The Hokies are also excelling in three-point defense, ranking 24th nationally with a 29% allowance.
With Markus Burton recovering from injury, opportunity has arisen for freshman Jalen Haralson, who is stepping up with impressive performances. Haralson is averaging 16.5 points per game in conference play and has displayed remarkable shooting efficiency, making five of eight attempts from beyond the arc in his last three games.
Logan Imes is also making a name for himself with recent career-high performances, achieving personal bests in rebounds and assists while contributing significantly to the team’s offense. Meanwhile, Ryder Frost made his mark in a recent game against Miami by scoring seven consecutive points, showcasing the depth of the Notre Dame roster.
Jalen Haralson has notably started strong in recent games, contributing significantly during the opening minutes, which has played a crucial role in establishing momentum for his team. Currently, he holds the fifth highest average for ACC freshmen, maintaining a streak of 15 consecutive games scoring in double digits.
Braeden Shrewsberry has been another critical player for the Irish, leading the ACC with a three-point shooting percentage of 44.6% and recently surpassing the 200 career three-pointer milestone, a feat achieved by only 14 players in Notre Dame’s history.
Carson Towt is also having a pivotal season, standing out not only for his rebounding prowess but also for his effective shooting from the floor. His contributions in the paint have placed him among the top rebounders in the nation, making him an invaluable asset to the team.
As Notre Dame prepares for this decisive matchup against Virginia Tech, the team looks to capitalize on their recent performances and aim for a crucial win that could bolster their standing in the conference.