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Notre Dame Basketball

Mike Brey Notebook | Virginia Tech Loss

January 1, 2019
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Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey spoke following the 81-66 loss to No. 10 Virginia Tech on Saturday afternoon. 

 

On the loss:
“I’m so impressed with Virginia Tech. They are old and know who they are. They spread you out and make shots. They are really, really good. I’m proud of our group. We’re a youth movement group and played against some men today.

“We gave ourselves a chance a couple of times but couldn’t get over the hump on the road against a really good team. They made every big shot any time we got within striking distance.” 

On VT:
“It’s a very similar style of play. Screen, roll and kicking back. We made 13 threes today, but they have a great rthym and a great physicality to their group. They can get into that lane and come downhill. You help and recover, they kick to shooters and you’re dead.

“For some of our freshmen in their first ACC game, I’m proud they are competing and battling against a really good team. We have to try and grow something out of this.” 

On VT defense:
“Their defense really bothered us. We ended up with 11 turnovers. They are quick and athletic. They get out in passing lanes. They aren’t big back there but they are up in you and their hands are so good. 

“By the time you get some open shots, you’re exhausted because they create ball pressure.”

On Notre Dame’s defense:
“They shot 60%. We played a little bit of zone and that helped us in the first half. I don’t feel we could have in the second half. For the most part, you’re trying to give up 2s and hang in there to see if you can score enough to hang with them. 

“That kind of worked and then they made some big ones. They have the capability of making 20 threes and you’re going to lose by 35.” 

On F Juwan Durham:
“He got in foul trouble and we didn’t get as much out of him. We’re going to need him to do stuff for us. Only 14 minutes for him tonight.”

On PG Prentiss Hubb:
“The thing I like about him is at least in the second half, he started driving and getting into the lane. He was trying to make some plays and not play so safe. I know he hasn’t shot it well for a while, but he’s shot it well for us early in the season. I think he’s a better shooter than what he’s been lately. 

“He was attacking and getting into the lane trying to make some plays. We have to try and build on it. He can’t turn shots down. He has to shoot for us.” 

 
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