Notre Dame Will Play Angry On Tuesday

Notre Dame fell to North Carolina 69-68 on Saturday night, and while it was a disappointing loss, the Irish can’t dwell on it as Louisville comes to Purcell Pavilion on Tuesday night. 

“It was a tough game,” sophomore guard TJ Gibbs stated. “We played a great game. We just didn’t make plays at the end, and they won. We have to move on, and we play them again. We will be ready for them next time, and we have to get ready for Tuesday.” 

One of Saturday’s bright spots was the play of guard Nik Djogo. The 6-foot-7 sophomore scored a career-high 12 points, including three three-pointers. 

“I had my open looks, and I finally made them,” said Djogo. “I should be making threes, so I’m not that excited. I’m fine with shooting the way I should be.” 

Djogo credits a free throw for his big night as it allowed him to see the ball go through the hoop and he was off and running. 

“I just stayed confident and once I had the first three throw – as a shooter you always want to see one go in,” Djogo stated. “The free throw I hit, let me settle in. I had open looks that were good shots. I was calm and confident and did what I needed to do.” 

The Irish have lost back-to-back games in the ACC, but Djogo isn’t letting that get to his head, especially with senior point guard Matt Farrell likely to return on Tuesday. 

“We’ve all seen the way he plays and creates. He draws attention to himself, and it opens up spots for me even more. He can attack, score and do it on all three levels. Having him as a presence in the game will make us that much better.” 

Head coach Mike Brey expects his squad will be angry on Tuesday night, which is a positive. 

“It’s good stuff,” Brey said of the anger. “I’m going to be pissed until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night.” 

Gibbs was noticeably upset immediately following Saturday’s game, but it will serve as motivation for the future. 

“Knowing it was shot I work on and know I can hit – I was a little frustrated with myself that I got the opportunity and it wasn’t able to fall through,” said Gibbs. “I know the team has my back and we have to keep moving on.”