If you had a time machine and could send me back to the preseason to whisper in my ear that I’d have to write a heartbreaking recap after ND lost a thrilling ACC Champoinship game – I’d have taken it on the spot. Now that I’m here, however, it doesn’t feel all that great.

Let’s be clear. The University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish are a hell of a basketball team. They poured their hearts out on the floor of the Barclay’s Center. Duke just had a little too much talent and a little too much help. Notre Dame came up short. Much like two years ago, the Irish were the fart in church. The team that was largely a side show for ESPN’s Selection Sunday Duke promotion and NBA Draft coverage played hard the entire night. Sadly, the ACC has their “signature” champion.

I’d love to wow you with facts and figures about how this game ebbed and flowed. We could do X’s and O’s about how Brey used ball screens to maneuver match-ups for his leading warrior. That’s all well and good. The reality of basketball is that you need to make shots. Notre Dame didn’t make shots Saturday night, and they are the ACC runner up because of it.

This stings, but let me try to throw some silver linings on this dark cloud.

Bonzie Colson is an MF’ing Warrior

Bonzie Colson, the 6’5″ center with hardly any major college offers in high school stole the show for much of the night. Colson put up huge numbers and led his team. Aside from Tatum’s eye-popping heroics for Duke, Colson’s performance was one for the ages. It is heartbreaking it wasn’t met with a victory and the MoP award.

Jayson Tatum Won’t Be Back

The freshman saved Duke’s bacon with some impressive late game heroics. When he put his head down and wanted to get to the rim, it was impossible to start him. He’ll make some NBA franchise very happy next season.

Matt Ryan Can Help

We focus on his shooting for good reason, but Matt Ryan is developing his all around game. He made some good passes and did some better defensive work Saturday. He is an important asset. Ryan is gathering critical momentum for him to build into his final 2 seasons in South Bend.

The NCAAT is Only Two Games per Week

I’m not even going to go back and look at the numbers. Feel free to go to KenPom or ESPN and get them for yourself. Notre Dame shot like crap. The Irish couldn’t get a clean look from three to drop in the second half, and that was the difference in the game. Their legs were gone. The good news kids is that NCAA games have a rest day in between. Notre Dame just took a team full of NBA talent to the wire on tired legs without making threes. They should be just fine in their NCAAT run.


This wasn’t the dream ending we were hoping for, but another 2 wins in an ACCT pushes Notre Dame to 6-2 over the last 3 years. Steve Vasturia has received all-tournament honors twice. Some of our former Big East brethren have yet to win a game in the damn thing. Be proud of your Irish.

Every trip to a final is precious. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sad. However, this Irish team isn’t a flash in the pan. Mike Brey’s program is building a culture of winning that is proving successful in this meat grinder of a league. I’m not taking a finals appearance for granted, but we were just here two years ago. I’m sad Steve and VJ couldn’t hang a second banner, but I’m damn excited to see if Bonzie can give it a shot next year. This isn’t something we “haven’t done before” anymore. The Irish belong.

Now, just sit back and enjoy a cold cocktail tomorrow during the selection show and realize what a blessing it is to be complaining about seeding versus sweating a bubble.