The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have reeled off a surprising Elite Eight run after pulling off last minute victories over Michigan, Stephen F. Austin and Wisconsin. Notre Dame now faces North Carolina, a team that is playing great and blew out the Irish by 30 in their last meeting. While UNC is the heavy favorite, Notre Dame can pull off the upset. Here's why Notre Dame will beat UNC.
3) Notre Dame's Guards
The Tar Heels have the size advantage, but Notre Dame can win with its guards. Demetrius Jackson and Steve Vasturia are playing well, with Jackson in the midst of a great tournament run. Notre Dame has started Matt Farrell in the Tournament and it's worked out well. UNC has Marcus Paige and Joel Berry, but the forward heavy team could run into issues against the quick Notre Dame guards.
2) Notre Dame's offensive efficiency
Excellent 3-point shooting has become a staple for the Irish under head coach Mike Brey, and they’ve perfected that offensive system this year. Not only does Notre Dame shoot 37.7 percent from three-point range as a team, they rank ninth in the country in adjusted offense, via KenPom.com. The Irish always space the floor with four capable three-point shooters, which opens up driving lanes and creates good looks for their shooters. That will allow them to space out North Carolina and find mismatches if UNC doesn't use a small-ball lineup.
1) Luck Of The Irish
Notre Dame has somehow, someway, pulled out late wins against Michigan, Stephen F. Austin and Wisconsin. Notre Dame could have easily lost all of the games, and yet the Irish found a way to win. The Irish have built on their Elite 8 run from last season, routinely showing a poise and ability to make plays in close games that few in the country can match. Who else would you rather trust than a team that is 10-1 in their last 11 games decided by eight points or less? Brey also believes the luck of the Irish will at play on Easter weekend. "The Irish don’t lose on Good Friday or Easter Sunday,” Brey told his team in the locker room on Friday. "Can I get an Amen?!"