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Notre Dame Basketball: Five reasons why the Irish can make a deep run in March

Nov 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey stands with his players for the Notre Dame Alma Mater after Notre Dame defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 92-78 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 29, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Mike Brey stands with his players for the Notre Dame Alma Mater after Notre Dame defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 92-78 at the Purcell Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Matt Farrell (5) goes up for a shot as IPFW Mastodons center Brent Calhoun (45) defends in the second half at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 87-72. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2016; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Matt Farrell (5) goes up for a shot as IPFW Mastodons center Brent Calhoun (45) defends in the second half at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 87-72. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

2. They are battle tested

The Irish may not have a “signature win” yet this year, but make no mistake, the Irish are battle tested. According to the IndyStar, Notre Dame has trailed or been tied with less than three minutes left in four of their five ACC games only to pull out the victory in the end.

Against Pitt, the Irish led 75-70 with 2:25 left in overtime and ended up closing the Panthers out for a 78-77 win.

More from Notre Dame Fighting Irish

Against Louisville, the Irish were tied 68-68 with 2:00 remaining before sealing a 77-70 victory.

Against Clemson, Notre Dame trailed by one with 2:17 left but made a run and won 75-70.

Next up, came Miami, where the Irish led 61-57 with 2:53 left before closing out a 67-62 win.

Finally, against Virginia Tech, Notre Dame was down one with 1:52 play, before the Irish won 76-71.

The Irish know how to close out close games, which is a staple of teams that make late NCAA Tournament runs.