Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech: Statistical Breakdown
In a tightly contested battle at Purcell Pavilion, Virginia Tech edged out Notre Dame 65-63. The game was defined by efficiency disparities, rebounding battles, and clutch playmaking. A deeper statistical dive into the matchup provides insights into how the game unfolded and where each team held advantages.
LC
by Len Clark
Micah Shrewsberry Post-Game
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Shooting Efficiency and Offensive Struggles
Three-Point Shooting
Both teams shot an identical 39.3% from the field. Virginia Tech: 6-of-31 (19.4%). Notre Dame: 3-of-17 (17.6%). Virginia Tech attempted nearly double the three-pointers but made only three more.
Free Throw Performance
Virginia Tech: 15-of-20 (75.0%). Notre Dame: 16-of-16 (100.0%). Notre Dame’s flawless free-throw shooting kept them in the game, but they generated fewer trips to the line overall.
Turnovers and Points Off Turnovers
Turnover Count
Notre Dame committed 17 turnovers, four more than Virginia Tech’s 13.
Points off Turnovers
Virginia Tech: 10. Notre Dame: 7. Virginia Tech converted Notre Dame’s mistakes into points at key moments.
Notre Dame’s rebounding edge gave them a 7-4 advantage in second-chance points, but the gap was not large enough to counterbalance their shooting struggles.
Clutch Performance and Late-Game Execution
1
Late-Game Control
Virginia Tech trailed for 34:06 but took control late.
2
Key Three-Pointer
Brandon Burnham’s three-pointer at 2:01 gave Virginia Tech a four-point lead (58-54), a critical momentum shift.
3
Final Run
Virginia Tech went on an 8-0 run to take their largest lead of the game (63-58) with 15 seconds remaining.
Individual Player Impact
Virginia Tech
Tobi Lawal (15 PTS, 10 REB) was the most efficient player. Brandon Rechsteiner (12 PTS, 7-of-8 FT) was the most clutch performer. Brandon Burnham (10 PTS, 2-of-5 3PT) hit the game’s biggest shot.
Notre Dame
Markus Burton (23 PTS, 8-of-18 FG, 6-of-6 FT) led all scorers but lacked perimeter support. Tae Davis (18 PTS, 8 REB, 2-of-2 3PT) was highly efficient. Braeden Shrewsberry (0 PTS, 0-of-8 FG, 0-of-5 3PT) struggled.
Final Takeaways
1
Three-Point Shooting
Virginia Tech shot poorly but still hit three more threes than Notre Dame, which proved to be the margin.
2
Turnovers and Free Throws
Virginia Tech forced 17 turnovers, but Notre Dame’s perfect free-throw shooting nearly neutralized that advantage.
3
Second-Half Execution
The Irish led for most of the game but were outscored 39-30 in the second half.
4
Late-Game Poise
The Hokies executed better in the final two minutes, securing the win.
Implications Moving Forward
For Notre Dame, this game highlights the continued need for consistent three-point shooting and ball security. Their ability to build leads is promising, but they struggle to sustain offensive efficiency late in games. Virginia Tech demonstrated resilience and late-game execution.
This loss serves as a missed opportunity for the Irish, who must regroup and find ways to convert their rebounding and defensive efforts into sustained scoring.