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The Notre Dame men’s basketball team will try to get the weekend off on the right foot on Friday night as they welcome Loyola (MD) into Purcell Pavillon. This will be the first opportunity Irish fans will get to see Notre Dame in their brand new “All Green Everything” uniforms. They unveiled them on Thursday and will be breaking them out against Loyola. Here is One Foot Down’s official preview of the matchup.
✳️ALL GREEN EVERYTHING!!✳️
— Notre Dame Equipment (@NDAthEquipment) November 18, 2016
Here's a closer look at the custom green uni's & shoes for @NDmbb. pic.twitter.com/iMuY2IxTEq
When: Friday, November 18, 2017, 7:00pm ET.
Where: Purcell Pavillon at the Joyce Center
How to Watch: WatchESPN app or WatchESPN.com
Loyola (MD)
The Greyhounds are coming off a rough season in 2015-16 as they finished the season with a 9-21 record. Through three games this season it is more of the same for Loyola. They currently sit at 1-2 with losses losses to Duquesne and LIU-Brooklyn. It won’t get easier on Friday night as they will take a considerable step up in competition when they take on the Irish.
Greyhounds to watch
Andre Walker - 6’0”, Guard, Junior
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The junior guard is coming off a season where he was named to the All-Patriot Second Team, which is pretty impressive considering Loyola’s 9-21 record. So far Walker is repeating last season’s success, as he is averaging 15.3 points, 2.3 assists, and 4.0 rebounds. One interesting stat from Walker is that in Loyola’s losses this weekend he’s averaging 15 points, but in their lone win against Division II Millersville he scored just 4 in limited action. Nevertheless, the Irish will need to keep him in check on Friday night
Jarred Jones - 6’6”, Forward, Senior
Jones is the most experienced player on the Greyhounds’ roster. The fifth year senior is listed as a guard, but fits more of the mold of Bonzie Colson of Notre Dame. He gets most of his points in the paint, and even though he’s a bit undersized he finds a way to get his fair share of rebounds. Jones leads the team in rebounding at 6.7 rebounds, and is second in scoring at 13.3 points per game.
Pick to Click
V.J. Beachem - 6’8”, Forward, Senior
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With the departures of Demetrius Jackson and Zach Auguste, much was expected out of Beachem this season and so far he’s delivered. Through the first two games the senior wing is averaging 19 points, while shooting an impressive 54% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. I like Beachem to keep up his strong start against another inferior opponent.
Prediction
Notre Dame 87 - Loyola (MD) 62
The Irish just have too much firepower for the Greyhounds. Notre Dame currently ranks 25th in the nation in scoring as they are averaging a touch over 90 points per game. Loyola on the other hand ranks near the bottom at 305th, averaging just 60.5 points per game. This should be just another tune up for the Irish. Look for Mike Brey to play a bunch of guys. This should be a perfect opportunity for Brey to get some of his younger players valuable playing time before they face a legitimate opponent next Monday in Colorado.