Notre Dame came into its matchup against Kentucky boasting a 3-4 record, with the team’s only wins coming against Cal State Northridge, High Point and Chaminade. Zero victories against teams with a KenPom ranking higher than No. 264 (High Point).
As for the losses, the Fighting Irish fell at the hands of St. Mary’s (CA), Texas A&M, Illinois and Boston College, with the latter two being true road games. All matchups away from home against name-brand programs, but losses nonetheless. 3-4 is 3-4.
On the other end, Kentucky was 7-1 going into the matchup, with seven wins against cupcakes at home and one loss against Duke to open the season in the Champions Classic.