Written by Jhett Garrett ⏐ Writer ⏐ Twitter/X: @JhettGarrett
Photo by The Irish Tribune
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish traveled to Charlottesville for a matchup against the Virginia Cavaliers this past Wednesday, looking to end a four-game losing streak. However, after beating the Cavaliers back in December, the Irish fell in this one, 65-53.
Freshman Markus Burton led the way for the Irish once again with 17 points on 6-10 shooting. He also tallied four assists along with four steals, and just three turnovers. His 6-10 from the field was his best shooting performance since the last time the Irish played Virginia back in December, where he scored 15 points on 6-10 shooting. Burton has been in double figures in every game but two this season.
Not far behind him was fellow freshman Braden Shrewsberry with 16 points, knocking down four threes off the bench. Shrewsberry is on a tear for the Irish in the last five games, averaging 17 points per game while shooting 42% from behind the three-point line. He has hit two or more threes in his last seven games, and has been a pivotal part of the Notre Dame offense. With Shrewsberry being just a freshman, it is great to see this growth from him this early on in his career.
Coach Shrewsberry went with a smaller lineup than in previous games, with Zionsville, Indiana native Logan Imes making his first career start in place of Carey Booth. It took Imes until the 10:28 mark in the second half to get his first and only bucket in the game. However, the freshman guard finished with five rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Heading into Pittsburgh on Saturday, it would not be a shock if Imes finds himself inserted into the starting lineup once more.
Despite the personnel change, it was still a slow start for the Notre Dame offense. In the first 5:22 of the game, the Irish could only muster two points on 1-5 shooting, while turning it over three times. Having another guard on the perimeter that can space the floor was what Coach Shrewsberry appeared to be trying, but the Irish could never really get going from the floor.
Notre Dame will look to end their five-game losing streak, as they travel to Pittsburgh this coming Saturday for a matchup with the Panthers who sit at 13-8 (4-6) this season.
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