ND Men's Basketball: A Final Tune-Up Versus Cardinal Stritch

Before we get started into Tuesday’s game, I need to pause and have a moment of reflection. I must say I am humbled to be covering Notre Dame sports for Her Loyal Sons. A big thank you to ND athletics for the credential to cover these fine teams. I am also very appreciative for all of those who have taken me under their wing and giving me great solid advice.

Sorry for digressing, lets get into the game from Tuesday night.

The ND Fighting Irish will start the 2017-2018 season off as #14 team in the country when the season opens on Saturday. Before we can get to DePaul, there is a tune-up game against Cardinal Stritch.

This game didn’t have the start I thought it was going to have. The Irish first points came from the charity strip to give them an early 3-0 lead. The first bucket didn’t come until almost 3.5 minutes into the first half from Rex Pflueger.

More expected, Bonzie Colson’s first points of the game came off a monster jam.

As the first half progressed, the Irish got their legs underneath them and then it was off to the races. The Irish would end the half with the score 41-22. Including a 3 pointer at the buzzer by TJ Gibbs. The Irish would force 9 turnovers, 2 of which were shot clock violations. Bonzie Colson had 12 points, 4-7 from the field and 8 rebounds. Rex Pflueger had 10 points, 2 from 3 point range and 4 rebounds. Matt Farrell had 7 points, 2-4 from the field and 1-2 from 3 point range.

Shoot around before the second half
Photo Courtesy of George Bashura

The second half was much like the first, but minus the slow start as if the Irish came out of the locker room with something to prove. The Irish second half started with a 15-2 run. Matt Farrell and TJ Gibbs dropped a couple of buckets from downtown to help the offensive performance.

The Irish were always a step ahead of the Wolves. Their passing was crisp on offense and were able to move in transition. The Irish were aggressive and they showed that by blocking shots and cleaning balls of the glass on both ends of the court.

The final score would tip in the Irish favor with a final score of 90-46. Colson led all Irish scorers with a double-double 19 points and 14 rebounds. Pflueger was next with 17 points and 6 rebounds and Farrell with 10 points and 6 assists.

Coach Brey post game press conference
Photo Courtesy of George Bashura

Coach Brey was very happy with his teams performance. He was excited to hear his guys talk when on defense. Brey went on to say “the season starts for real Saturday at DePaul” and wants to make sure “we stay in character for 40.”

Brey was also candid about about picking scouts’ heads, asking pro scouts about who ND is playing and if he should bother having the Irish show up to play the game (all in jest of course).

The Irish will be opening up against Depaul on the road which opens a stretch of 6 games in 11 days. Coach closes with “we have a lot coming at us, but its time to do it.”

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George Bashura

George is an Aerospace Quality Professional with 28 years experience.George earned his Bachelors of Science Degree at Central CT State University in 2012 and earned his Masters of Science Degree in Quality Systems Management from National Graduate School in 2016. He has recently taken on writing about the Irish and is in the process of writing his first book.