Vasturia Ready to Enjoy Senior Night

Steve Vasturia has seen a lot over his time in South Bend and on Wednesday he will close another chapter to his story. The 6-foot-6 guard will play his final game at Purcell Pavilion and it is also a chance to set up a huge game on Saturday afternoon with Louisville if the Irish can beat Boston College. 

 

“It’s going to be exciting,” Vasturia said on Tuesday. “We have a chance to get another win in the ACC. I get to play my last game and have my family here. I think it should be a lot of fun to go out there and enjoy it as much as possible.” 

 

Vasturia doesn’t plan to get caught up in the hoopla of Senior Night and plans to continue to the focus that has put his team in second-place in the ACC.  

 

“I think in the last couple weeks, we have focused on taking care of our own business and we have done a good job of that,” explained Vasturia. “Things have been crazy all year and there are some big games coming this week. 

 

“Taking care of our business and having a chance to get one more win before Saturday is the focus.”  

 

Boston College should have Notre Dame’s focus as the Eagles gave the Irish all they could handle a few weeks ago. The Irish found themselves down double digits at halftime and rallied for second half comeback. 

 

“They took it to us the last time we played them,” stated Vasturia. “They are a good team and we’re going to have to come out and expect another hard game like Coach has been preaching. They are really talented and they showed that the first time we played them. We have to be ready to play and to give a full 40 minutes on both ends.” 

 

While Vasturia’s focus will be on the Eagles, the New Jersey native knows there will be emotions on Wednesday night.  

 

“There will be a lot of emotions, especially playing our last game here,” Vasturia stated. “I am going to try to enjoy it as much as possible. I think it will be fun to have all of my family there. 

 

“To get a win, it would be a great way to go out here.”  

 

Vasturia couldn’t think of specific favorite memory but the big wins at Purcell Pavilion are at the top of his list. 

 

“There’s been a lot of big wins here,” Vasturia said. “The Louisville games this year and last year were awesome. There’s just been a bunch of memories here. It’s been a lot of fun to be able to play here and to be part of something really special. 

 

“I’m just lucky to be a part of it.” 

 

Fellow senior VJ Beachem will also be honored on Wednesday and the two players have built a strong bond over the last four seasons.  

 

“It’s been awesome,” Vasturia said of playing with Beachem. “We have been through a lot together. We worked our way up on the same trajectory. It’s been great to play with him and see his success. We just want to keep this thing going as long as we can.”

 

Playing one more game is on the mind of every senior but Notre Dame has high aspirations after back-to-back Elite 8 appearances. Vasturia believes the adversity the Irish faced a few weeks ago will help prepare them for the ACC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.  

 

“We were 6-5 (In ACC play) and I think we could have gone one of two ways,” said Vasturia. “We battled and faced that adversity. That’s something the program has been able to do and I think it’s a great sign for us.”