NFL Tickets
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Butler Bulldogs will battle it out in the round of 32. Neither Notre Dame or Butler blew out their round of 64 opponent, but the NCAA tournament is all about surviving and advancing. That is especially true with how crazy this year’s dance has already been.
Notre Dame took on the Northeastern Huskies. Needless to say, the Huskies gave it their all. They couldn’t quite pull off the major upset, but a final score of 69-65 isn’t bad.
Going forward, you would imagine the Fighting Irish would pick it up on the offensive side of the ball. They are averaging 78.8 points per game, after all.
As for Butler, it has to pick it up on the offensive end and continue to play stingy defense. The Texas Longhorns didn’t have the best offense in college hoops this year, but only allowing them to 48 points is still pretty solid.
What to Watch For
Jerian Grant has been the main man for Notre Dame this year and that will continue to be the case. He dropped 17 points and five assists in the round of 64. However, it is important to note that Zach Auguste led the team with 25 points.
Now would be a great time for Kellen Dunham to have a monster game … again. Butler’s leading scorer had 20 points against the Longhorns, and could surely use that many against Notre Dame.
Prediction
Butler won, there is no taking away from that. The Bulldogs have to pick it up on the offensive end if they have any chance at beating Notre Dame, though. The Fighting Irish are known for their offense, not defense — to say the least.
The Bulldogs have pulled off more improbable runs in the past, but if they barely just got by Texas, Notre Dame is going to be a very tough out for them. You know, since Notre Dame is the No. 3 seed and Texas the No. 11.
Look for the Fighting Irish’s offense to pick it up in this one, and for them to do the only thing that matters this time of year — survive and advance.
Notre Dame 75, Butler 68
Trevor Lowry is a Content Associate at www.RantSports.com. If you’re a tweeter feel free to follow him @TheTrevorLowry, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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