By Brian Hamilton
NEW YORK -- The slow-to-a-slog philosophy Notre Dame now espouses isn't as jarring to blue-collar Pittsburgh as to most other foes, but that doesn't mean it isn't effective.
It just isn't as effective, apparently. The Irish were immaculate offensively in the first half of a Big East tournament quarterfinal, shooting better than 60 percent from the floor, but all that produced was a mere 32-29 halftime lead over the No. 2-seed Panthers.
Notre Dame had terrific ball movement (12 assists on 13 field goals) and balance (six players scored, no one in double figures). But a 9-2 spurt by Pittsburgh midway through the half made it close, and it figures that the Panthers have another burst in them. It'll be up to the Irish to answer.
NEW YORK -- The slow-to-a-slog philosophy Notre Dame now espouses isn't as jarring to blue-collar Pittsburgh as to most other foes, but that doesn't mean it isn't effective.
It just isn't as effective, apparently. The Irish were immaculate offensively in the first half of a Big East tournament quarterfinal, shooting better than 60 percent from the floor, but all that produced was a mere 32-29 halftime lead over the No. 2-seed Panthers.
Notre Dame had terrific ball movement (12 assists on 13 field goals) and balance (six players scored, no one in double figures). But a 9-2 spurt by Pittsburgh midway through the half made it close, and it figures that the Panthers have another burst in them. It'll be up to the Irish to answer.
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