Hokies slump to loss in South Bend
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Markus Burton had 16 points, eight assists and six steals, Braeden Shrewsberry scored 12 and Notre Dame defeated Virginia Tech 74-66 on Saturday night to snap a seven-game losing streak.
Kebba Njie added 11 points for Notre Dame and the Fighting Irish (8-16, 3-10 ACC) made 13 of 17 free throws.
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A three-point play by Sean Pedulla got Virginia Tech within 71-64 with 1:19 remaining. After a pair of free throws by Notre Dame’s Logan Imes, Pedulla’s jumper made it 73-66 with 1:08 remaining. A steal by Pedulla gave the Hokies possession but they were unable to capitalize, missing three times in the paint. Although Notre Dame made only 1 of 4 free throws in the final minute, the Hokies final two possessions ended in a turnover and a missed 3-pointer.
Hunter Cattoor scored 18 points, Mylyjael Poteat 14 and Pedulla 13 for Virginia Tech (13-10, 5-7). Robbie Beran grabbed 13 rebounds.
There were four ties and three lead changes in the first half. An 11-0 run by the Hokies gave them their final and biggest lead of the half at 39-30. Notre Dame scored the last five points from there, cutting the Hokies’ lead to four at intermission.
Notre Dame scored the first nine points of the second half to move in front 44-39. Virginia Tech fought back and tied the score at 49 with 9 1/2 minutes to go. Notre Dame responded with a 9-0 run over the next 3 1/2 minutes.
Shrewsberry’s 3-pointer put the Fighting Irish ahead by nine again, 63-54 near 4 1/2 minutes to go.
Notre Dame plays two games in the next 11 days, at home against Georgia Tech on Wednesday and at Louisville on Feb. 21.
Virginia Tech hosts Florida State on Tuesday before heading to Chapel Hill to face No. 3 North Carolina on Saturday.
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