Irish Have No Luck Against Hoyas Defense, Lose 5th Straight to Georgetown, 84-65

If there is one way to rebound from a tough loss against a conference opponent, it is to trounce your next one… this is exactly what the Hoyas did today with strong defense and an all around offensive effort defeating Notre Dame, 84-65.

Prior to the game today, the Irish knew their opponent was going to be a difficult one and they have had some memorable match-ups against the Hoyas including the 84-82 loss to the Hoyas in the Big East Tournament this past March. Today the Hoyas continued to show why they dominate the Irish, strong defense.

The Hoyas were able to put a stop on Luke Harangody, who entered today’s game averaging 24.3 points and 11.8 rebounds in conference play, but he got into foul trouble trying to find a way to stop Roy Hibbert and was limited to a team-high 13 points on 3-for-13 shooting.

Notre Dame continued to struggle in the second half when Harangody went to the sideline with four fouls after Hibbert drew a charge with about 12 minutes left, and Irish coach Mike Brey went on the court to argue, drawing a technical. Harangody eventually went back in and fouled out with 1:50 left.

“Roy played an exceptional game today. He recovered from the Pitt game and stayed inside where he needed to be all game long against their top scorers making them look for other shots they would normally not take, said Hoyas Head Coach John Thompson III.

I give the Hoyas a lot of credit, they always play extremely hard against us. We just could not handle their defense today, said Irish Head Coach Mike Brey. “Even I got a little bit out of control in the second half.”

DaJuan Summers added 17 points and a career-high 11 rebounds, and freshman Austin Freeman scored 16 points for the Hoyas.

The Hoyas limited Notre Dame to 9-for-30 (30 percent) in the first half and 20-for-61 for the game. At one point in the second half, the Irish were 10-for-40 overall (25 percent).

Georgetown has another tough test coming Monday night against Syracuse (3-3 Big East, 13-6 overall). WIth defense like today, the Cuse will have their hands full.