The Notre Dame Fighting Irish looked a lot more like they did in their first six games away from South Bend Monday night than they did nine days ago at Louisville, as they were defeated by the Rutgers Scarlet Knights 65-58 at the RAC. The loss moves the Irish to 3-3 in Big East play, and was their second straight loss, after losing handily at home to Connecticut Saturday.
The Scarlet Knights played a very aggressive defense throughout, causing the Irish offense to look erratic at times, but did allow the occasional easy basket under the hoop. The biggest difference, however, came at the free throw line, where Rutgers was 10-14, while the Irish were just 5-13, 38.5%.
The Irish were led by Eric Atkins, who had a game-high 15 points and 4 assists, and Scott Martin, who was 5-9 from the floor, a big improvement as he’s been struggling with his shot, and finished with 11 points. Jack Cooley had 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Jerian Grant had 9 points and 7 assists.
Rutgers came out red-hot from three point range, hitting five of their first six attempts, but cooled off, finishing 7-15 on the game. They were led by Eli Carter with 13 points and Jerome Seagears with 10. Dane Miller was the defensive star, as he finished with 8 rebounds, four blocks, and three steals.
The road doesn’t get kind any time soon for the Irish, as they host undefeated and top-ranked Syracuse Saturday in South Bend, before hitting the road three of their next four games, with a visit from 22nd ranked Marquette in between. The 3-1 conference start, which gave Irish fans promise, is slowing becoming what everyone thought we’d see from the young Notre Dame squad.
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