Bracketology 2020: Big 12, SOCON and Notre Dame among biggest losers

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA - FEBRUARY 16: Head coach Mike Brey of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts to a call in the first half during a game against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on February 16, 2019 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images) /

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – DECEMBER 04: Rex Pflueger #0 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish reacts after fouling during the second half of the game against Oklahoma Sooners at Madison Square Garden on December 04, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Notre Dame

Week 5 Results

Lost to Maryland, 72-51
Lost to Boston College, 73-72

Notre Dame didn’t look outstanding against North Carolina in the season opener last month, but they didn’t fall on their face, either. Following that win, the Irish coasted on an easy schedule for the rest of November, aside from a very tough game against a very good Toledo team.

But they were completely outclassed on Wednesday by Maryland during the ACC-Big Ten Challenge. The Terrapins are looking like one of the best teams in the nation, despite having to save themselves from an upset attempt by Illinois. Before that game, the Terps played in fine form against Notre Dame, racking up a 21-point victory.

The Irish followed up that loss with an even bigger stumble in their second ACC game. The Boston College backcourt of Derryck Thornton and Jay Heath was very effective against Notre Dame, combining for 35 points. The Eagles shot nearly 50% from the floor, while Notre Dame failed to break the 40% barrier. Temple Gibbs had 22 and John Mooney pitched in 16, but it wasn’t enough for the Irish to avoid picking up their second loss in a row.

Mike Brey will look to get his team back on track against a coach who knows a thing or two about playing in the Hoosier State. Former Indiana coach Mike Davis and his Detroit Mercy Titans head to South Bend, and sophomore sharpshooter Antoine Davis (Mike’s son) always promises a good show.

It should be a good tune-up before the Irish host Mick Cronin and UCLA on Saturday and Indiana later in the month.

It’s unclear how good wins over the Bruins and Hoosiers will be four months from now, but one thing is for sure: Notre Dame can’t keep squandering opportunities to get big wins under their belt before the grueling ACC schedule resumes in the new year.

dark. Next. Biggest takeaways of the week

There’s going to be a lot of teams pushing their way on—and off—the bubble over the coming months. But while it might be too early to be handing out bids, some of these early losses are sure to bite teams on Selection Sunday.

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