Virginia Tech (14-5, 3-3) had four players score in double figures and used three decisive runs to cruise to an 89-76 win over Notre Dame (10-8, 1-4) on Saturday at Cassell Coliseum.
Tobi Lawal led the Hokies with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Amani Hansberry added 21 points and six boards. Virginia Tech asserted control early, opening the game with a 13-2 run to take an 18-9 lead. Notre Dame briefly responded, but the Hokies answered with a 10-0 spurt to push the margin to 32-20.
Virginia Tech carried a 45-34 advantage into halftime and effectively ended the game with another 10-0 run early in the second half, stretching the lead to 60-41 with just over 14 minutes remaining.
Notre Dame’s offense struggled to find rhythm, often lacking purposeful ball movement. Still, the Irish shot 44 percent from the field and generated 15 second-chance points off 13 offensive rebounds.
Freshman Brady Koehler led Notre Dame with a career-high 17 points, while Cole Certa chipped in 14. Sir Mohammed made the start in place of Garrett Sundra and finished with 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
Turnovers remain a persistent issue. Notre Dame committed 13 giveaways and, despite forcing 12 Virginia Tech turnovers, was outscored 20-15 in points off turnovers.
One bright spot came at the free-throw line, where the Irish shot 16-of-21. Virginia Tech, however, was simply better, converting 28-of-32.
Freshman star Jalen Haralson was limited to eight points and four rebounds, snapping his 15-game streak of scoring in double figures.
GAP
Since returning from the West Coast to open ACC play, Notre Dame has run headfirst into the depth of the league. Over the last three losses to Clemson, Miami, and Virginia Tech, Micah Shrewsberry’s program has been thoroughly outclassed.
There will always be a gap between Notre Dame and bluebloods like Duke and North Carolina. It’s understandable to see Louisville field a more talented roster. What’s concerning is how Clemson, Miami, and Virginia Tech have been able to make Notre Dame look like a JV team for extended stretches.
Beyond raw talent, Notre Dame simply isn’t an efficient basketball team. The offense lacks flow, with players often dribbling aimlessly while opposing teams move the ball decisively and create easy looks.
Shrewsberry’s teams haven’t overachieved during his time at Notre Dame. And not that Virginia Tech would have been an upset, but there are far worse teams upsetting Top 25 programs every once in a while and the Irish feel light years away from pulling that off.
BRIGHT SPOTS
Sir Mohammed’s start was a positive development, particularly from a scoring standpoint. His last two performances should provide confidence heading into next week.
Koehler continues to flash upside, and his 17-point outing was a career best.
Should Mohammed and (or) Koehler be starting? You can make a case that Braeden Shrewsberry and Garrett Sundra don’t deserve to start at this point, as they struggled in recent games.
Shrewsberry is an interesting study because one can make a strong argument that his ability to stress defenses and his ability to be instant offense are beneficial coming off the bench.
Sundra, meanwhile, has yet to prove he’s a Power 4-level starter, though Notre Dame’s options remain limited beyond Koehler.
Starting might not matter in the grand scheme, but both players have earned the right to play more minutes as they did today. Koehler played 21 minutes and was +9, while Sundra was on the floor for 13 minutes and was -8.
Starting status may not matter in the big picture, but both Mohammed and Koehler have earned increased minutes. Koehler logged 21 minutes and finished +9, while Sundra played 13 minutes and was -8. Shrewsberry was -14 in 34 minutes, while Mohammed finished -5 in 23 minutes.
Another positive came from walk-on big man Matthew MacClellan. The Madonna University transfer was Notre Dame’s most productive post presence, finishing with seven points and three rebounds.
UP NEXT
Notre Dame will travel to No. 14 North Carolina on Wednesday for a 7:00 PM ET tip.
Want the latest scoop on the Fighting Irish? Sign up for our newsletter and become an ISD Premium Subscriber: Sign Up for ISD
Notre Dame Fighting Irish Logo Brands 50" x 60" Classic Vertical Stripe Fleece Throw Blanket
