Louisville basketball’s mental fortitude had been called into question following their lackluster three-game stretch that included two losses to Kentucky and Florida State and a game that was far too close against Miami. With Notre Dame desperately needing a statement win, they were hoping that Louisville’s issues would linger into Saturday’s matchup.
Jordan Nwora got the Cards going early with eight early points while Notre Dame’s John Mooney, the nation’s leading rebounder, poured on eight points and six rebounds in the opening 12 minutes of play and finished with a double-double in the first half.