Thrilling Midweek Matchup
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — In a thrilling midweek college basketball matchup, Thijs De Ridder delivered an outstanding performance, netting a personal best of 32 points as No. 17 Virginia pulled off a dramatic comeback against Notre Dame, winning 100-97 after two overtime periods. This victory marked a significant milestone for the Cavaliers as they matched their largest comeback in the program’s history, having also overcome a 19-point deficit against Arizona in November 2006.
Key Contributions
The Cavaliers (17-3, 6-2 in the Atlantic Coast Conference) were not just reliant on De Ridder; Sam Lewis contributed significantly, finishing the game with 21 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. His crucial three-pointer with just three seconds remaining in the first overtime sent the game into a second extra period tied at 85. Following the fouling out of De Ridder in the closing moments, Lewis stepped up once again, scoring Virginia’s final four points to seal the win.
Notre Dame’s Struggles
On the opposing side, Notre Dame (11-10, 2-6) witnessed an impressive 34-point outing from Cole Certa, who led the Fighting Irish. Jalen Haralson and Braeden Shrewsberry provided additional support with 20 and 18 points, respectively, while Brady Koehler added 16 points. However, despite strong individual performances, the team has struggled recently, having lost six of their last seven games and failing to secure a victory against ranked teams during head coach Micah Shrewsberry’s tenure.
Game Highlights
The game showcased an exciting start for Notre Dame, who surged ahead with a 39-20 lead, thanks to their remarkable shooting from beyond the arc, hitting eight of their first eleven three-point attempts. Virginia fought back, narrowing the gap with a 15-5 run at the end of the first half, primarily fueled by De Ridder’s ten points within that stretch. In the second half, a spirited 17-2 run by the Cavaliers shifted momentum in their favor as they led 57-54 at one point.
Nail-Biting Conclusion
In a nail-biting conclusion to regulation, Devin Tillis’s free throws tied the score at 73, but Notre Dame missed two crucial attempts from the three-point line, forcing the teams into overtime. As they prepare for their next games, Virginia will travel to face Boston College, while Notre Dame will seek to regroup against Syracuse this Saturday.
