Notre Dame - Washington State Preview

East- Round Two
Notre Dame Fighting Irish (5) Vs Washington State Cougars (4)
Saturday, March 22 @ 6:40 pm

Notre Dame easily won its round one game versus the Cinderella team of two tournaments ago—George Mason. From the outset, it was pretty much over and when it was over the score was 68- 50.

The Irish dominated from the field, under the rim and beyond the arc. They shot 46% from the floor to Mason’s 33% and pulled down 42 rebounds to their opponent’s 31. From downtown, Notre Dame hit 43%, while George Mason connected on only 18%.

Notre Dame guard Kyle McAlarney put in three three-pointers and a total of 15 points. Forward Zach Hillesland grabbed 11 rebounds and dished off 6 assists. Forward Luke Harangody had a double-double, putting up a team-best 18 points and handling a game-best 14 rebounds. Harangody is a superior talent and a tough player to guard.

The Washington State Cougars had both a tougher and easier time against their opponent, Winthrop. The game was tied at halftime at 29. In the second half, the Cougars outscored the Eagles 42- 11, winning by the lopsided score of 71- 40.

Washington State hit 59% of their attempts, while Winthrop dropped only 31% into the hoop. Although three-pointers were fairly even, the foul line told a different story. State was good 69% of the time; the Eagles only connected 25%.

Cougar center Aron Baynes, who had 19 points, was perfect from the field going 9 for 9. He also gathered in 9 rebounds. Guard Kyle Weaver put up 14 points and took down 7 rebounds. Forward Robbie Cowgill also hit for 14 while gathering 6 bounds. Guard Taylor Rochestie was the ultimate set-up man, notching 10 assists.

In their first playoff contests of the tournament, both teams got fine output from their starters but little off the bench. That doesn’t bode well for either to go on a long tourney run. Washington State can’t let up on the Irish. They have to play them tooth and nail. The battle under the boards should be fearsome. Foul shooting could be an important factor. State has a slight edge there. They also connected more consistently from the floor. This should be a good one.