Notre Dame holds off Rutgers
Notre Dame's Pat Connaughton (24) shoots a three-pointer during the first half of a game against Rutgers at the Big East Conference tournament. (March 13, 2013) Credit: AP
One of the cliches in college sports is that of Notre Dame's fabled "Subway Alumni" in New York. The Fighting Irish might or might not have a huge following here, but it will have to do as a local angle because, as of last night, this final Big East Tournament was all out of New York-area teams.
Rutgers was the last to exit, falling to Notre Dame, 69-61, in the late game at the Garden. The Scarlet Knights did put up the best showing of the locals, playing a solid second half and making a run at the Irish (24-8). Austin Johnson dominated inside, scoring 15 of his 18 points after halftime. And Rutgers did stifle All-Big East center Jack Cooley, holding him to two points.
But Pat Connaughton -- also a starting pitcher for Notre Dame's baseball team -- scored 21 points, including six three-pointers, and Tom Knight scored 18 for the team that is ranked 24th in the country. It ended a long and rough day for New York-area teams.
"Any postseason win is a great win," Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said. "I loved how we got off to a great start . . . We're thrilled to escape." Of Rutgers, he added, "I love their personnel, with what they have coming back. They're a heck of a team."
Anyway, it ended a day of angst for New York basketball as Rutgers (15-16) followed Seton Hall and St. John's into elimination. It was an uneventful Big East swan song for Rutgers, which never did make a dent in the basketball conference. The Knights hope for better days in the Big Ten starting in 2014.
"This is going to happen," coach Mike Rice said. "Rutgers basketball is going to happen. It's just slower than some people [would] like -- and maybe their coach -- but it's going to happen."
