For a number of programs across the country, Thanksgiving Feast Week was celebratory. At some of the annual November showcases, trophies were handed out. Memories were made in the Cayman Islands, Cancun and Las Vegas. But as I pinch-hit for Sabreena Merchant for this week’s power rankings, I’m beginning with one of the schools that stumbled: Notre Dame.
The Fighting Irish were No.1 in last week’s power rankings (for good reason, after picking up a standout win at USC). But Notre Dame struggled in its ensuing two contests, dropping games to TCU and Utah this week. In both instances, sub-par fourth quarters sunk the Irish. Against the Horned Frogs, Notre Dame was outscored 31-12. One day later, Utah outscored Notre Dame by six in the final 10 minutes.
🚨UTES UPSET 🚨@UTAHWBB takes down No. 3 Notre Dame, 78-67 !#NCAAWBB pic.twitter.com/1zEuZuBl34
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessWBB) December 1, 2024
The Irish’s lack of depth was apparent. It was especially visible with freshman center Kate Koval’s struggles. Koval, a top-five recruit in the Class of 2024, has already won national Freshman of the Week. Yet, against the Horned Frogs and Utes, she missed all 12 of her shots, recorded nine turnovers, committed eight fouls and grabbed only 10 rebounds.
Stars Olivia…
