Fighting Irish Basketball: 3 things we learned from Notre Dame’s 75-68 loss to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons

It’s been a tough season for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish all the way around. Even tougher still, is that there is no single issue to point at and say “that’s it — that’s the problem that needs fixed.” Each game we are presented a team that will virtually be the same next year, but are we seeing the real future?

Well that’s enough to make a run to the liquor store.

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

THE ACC IS LEGIT TOUGH

Notre Dame had one of its best ACC offensive games this year by shooting 45% from the floor and looking fairly fluid in the way they moved the ball around. And yet... they lose to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in South Bend. Wake Forest is one of the worst teams in the ACC this year, so losing to a squad like that after having a good offensive performance at home should tell you all you need to know about the ACC.

That and having a 5 minute drought late in the game....

WELCOME BACK T.J. GIBBS

T.J. Gibbs had a rough month, but the junior guard put on a terrific show Tuesday night inside Purcell Pavilion. Gibbs scored 23 points while shooting 8-12 from the floor that included being 3-5 from three point land. He was also 4-4 from the free throw line.

It was unfortunate that Gibbs had such a long and noticeable drought as it could have been a big difference in a few other games. The important thing is that he continues to finish the season strong so when the Irish reboot next season, his confidence will have returned and will have been verified.

FRESHMEN BEING FRESHMEN

For all of the hope we have for the future of this young team, the freshmen were definitely the weak link against Wake. Dane Goodwin, Nate Laszewski, and Prentiss Hubb were a combined 4-15 from the floor with Hubb being the only one to score from the field (11 points).

It was summed up pretty well by Pat Sullivan while tweeting the game:

MOVING FORWARD

The Irish will host the Virginia Tech Hokies inside Purcell Pavilion on Saturday at 4:00. I want an upset HOW ABOUT SOME METALLICA?!