BLACKSBURG – Led by Keve Aluma's second double-double of the season, the No. 19/20 Virginia Tech Men's basketball team pushed past Notre Dame, 77-63, in an ACC contest on Sunday night at Carilion Clinic Court at Cassell Coliseum.
The Hokies (9-2, 3-1 ACC) improved to 5-9 against the Fighting Irish (3-7, 0-4) in history contests. Mike Young gained his first victory against both the Irish and head coach Mike Brey and their series against each other is now 1-2.
Jalen Cone was the leading scorer for the second game in a row with 18 points (career-high 23 points vs. Louisville). Hunter Cattoor had 15 points for the Hokies, four rebounds and two steals. Aluma had 15 points and 12 rebounds, earning his second double-double of the season. Justyn Mutts had a near double-double with 14 points and seven rebounds. The Hokies proved to be strong again shooting 75% from the free-throw line.
The Hokies had 41 total rebounds, 16 offensive, earning the record for most offensive rebounds in the Mike Young era versus an ACC team and the second most since last year. The Hokies reached 19 offensive rebounds vs. Maryland Eastern Shore, Dec. 29, 2019. Tech held the Irish to only two field goals in the second half, which was the fewest allowed by Tech this season.
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THE GAME
The Hokies had a slow start to begin the game, allowing the Irish an eight-point run in the first five minutes of the game. However, Cone led the comeback once again, recording four 3s to contribute to his 14 points in the half. Aluma was solid with seven points and six rebounds in the half. The Hokies were down 42-35 going into halftime.
Tech came out hot to start the second half with an eight-point run, erasing Notre Dame's lead and going ahead for the first time since the 5-minute mark in the first half. The run was contributed by Mutts, Wabissa Bede and Tyrece Radford. Cattoor carried 12 points in the second half, pushing the Hokies ahead of the Fighting Irish. Due to Cattoor, Cone, Aluma and Mutts all scoring in double digits, the Hokies defeated Notre Dame 77-63.
GAME NOTES
- The Hokies collected 34 points off points in the paint, right below their season-high 42 vs. USF, which allowed Tech to outscore the Irish in by a 14-point margin in the paint.
- Tech only let up two field goals in the second half, tallying its season low allowed.
- The Hokies more than doubled the Irish in points off the bench (17), collecting 35 points.
- The Hokies secured 41 rebounds, right behind their season high 48 vs. VMI on Dec. 3.
UP NEXT
The Hokies will play to host No. 21/24 Duke on Tuesday at 7 p.m ET in Cassell Coliseum with coverage available through ACC Network.
Gallery: (1-10-2021) 2021 MEN'S BASKETBALL vs. NOTRE DAME