Mike Brey Notebook: North Carolina

Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey spoke following the 83-66 loss to North Carolina on Monday night. 

On the loss:
“I love how we fought. They had about a three-minute stretch where they were unbelievable offensively. We couldn’t absorb that. We gave ourselves a chance. 

“They really defended our guards well, and our guards had been playing well. It was a big difference in the game.” 

On UNC guards Cam Johnson and Kenny Williams making shots:
“I was worried about getting scorched from out there. We only gave up six, but when they’re playing well, they can put numbers up so easy. I thought the only chance we had in here was to score in 80’s and try to score with them. 

“Sometimes people think it’s a disadvantage three games in five days. The players love it. They’re in rhythm. I think they found a great rhythm in this stretch.

On the impact of John Mooney’s three misses from the foul line:
“As good as he’s been from the field, it’s been his Achilles heel at times. He needed to make those. We got a good look down one, and you almost have to take the lead a little bit and change the karma in the building. 

“We battling. We’re fighting. I told them we’re 2-2 on the back nine of league games. If we can get eight league wins and be 8-10, that’s as good as it gets. Maybe we get Bonzie back and go to Brooklyn with him healthy.” 

On defending Luke Maye:
“We didn’t do anything different. We had a lot of different guys on him. Off of their non-shooters, we helped and jammed it up. He did a good job of not forcing anything and letting other guys get involved.” 

On offering Luke Maye:
“I wanted him bad. I couldn’t even beat Carolina with a walk-on situation. I’m a great recruiter, huh. He reminded me of Luke Harangody. He’s where he should be, and I’m really happy for him.

“No one is playing better than him in the whole country.”