Louisville lost 72-50 at home to Notre Dame on Wednesday night, writing another chapter in the ever-growing book of Kenny Payne embarrassments in a battle(?) between the two weakest teams in the ACC.
The Fighting Irish, who were predicted to finish last in the league heading into the season, outscored their hosts by 16 points in the second half while making 12 of their 27 three-point attempts. The coach’s son, Braeden Shrewsberry, spearheaded the attack by going 7 of 11 from beyond the arc and scoring a game-high 23 points.
Louisville was never able to match the ferocity of a Notre Dame squad that came into the game with only one road victory, despite Skyy Clark scoring 18 points to lead the way for Louisville. 16 more points were contributed by Brandon Huntley-Hatfield.
It now seems inevitable that U of L will finish last in the ACC for the second time in a row.
Louisville is superior over Notre Dame in terms of talent at every position on the floor save from point guard. This Fighting Irish team entered the evening ranked 293rd in adjusted offensive efficiency because they lack the skill required to compete in a conference like the ACC.
The Irish do, however, have a knowledgeable coach and players who firmly believe in the philosophy being taught to them. It’s how a team with that little offensive talent can yet gel to become one of the top defensive teams in the nation, even with two true freshmen as their top scorers.
Two years ago, we did not have a head basketball coach of the caliber that Notre Dame hired last year, which is why Louisville was defeated in every aspect of this game.
