Notre Dame used a 22 to six run in the second half and held off Miami 68-64 for the victory at the Watsco Center in February. The game was even with the second-half run by Notre Dame the difference in the game. Paul Atkinson Jr. who grew up in West Palm Beach led Notre Dame with 23 points and 11 rebounds.
Isaiah Wong led Miami with 18. Notre Dame was able to limit Kameron McGusty and Charlie Moore. McGusty was three of 12 from the floor made just one of his six three-point attempts and scored a season-low seven points in the loss. Moore scored 12 but was just five of 15 from the floor and two for eight on threes.
The difference for Miami against NCAA Tournament teams this season has often been forcing turnovers and the big three of McGusty, Moore and Wong forcing turnovers. Miami finished 11th in the country in turnover margin this season. USC was 303rd. That could be the difference for Miami on Friday.
Having McGusty, Moore and Wong all score will also be critical. Wong scored just seven points in the ACC Tournament loss to Duke. McGusty scored 24 points against on Duke 11 of 19 from the floor with seven rebounds on his way to being named first-team all-tournament. Moore scored 15 with eight assists.