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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish flew won a double overtime thriller in the First Four in Dayton, then less than 48 hours later got another victory in San Diego over Alabama. They’ll take one a team that’s one of the best defensively in the nation in the Alabama Crimson Tide.
All odds below are from DraftKings Sportsbook.
Game date: Sunday, March 19th
Game time: 7:10 p.m.
TV channel: TBS
Location: Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA
Odds: Texas Tech -7, Total 133
No. 3 Texas Tech 26-9 (12-6 Big 12)
First Round: Defeated No. 14 Montana State 97-62
KenPom rating: 7 Overall, 45 Offense, 1 Defense
Leading scorer: Bryson Williams, 13.7 ppg
Key stat of tournament: Texas Tech was 12-20 from three-point range against the Bobcats.
It was a no-doubter in SoCal, as the Red Raiders ran away early and never had the issue in doubt. Nine players logged double-digit minutes as the bench emptied, and Terrence Shannon and Williams both led all scorers with 20 points. TTU won 33-24 on the glass, and are favored with good reason in Round 2.
No. 11 Notre Dame 23-10 (15-5 ACC)
First Four: Defeated No. 11 Rutgers 89-87 (2 OT)
First Round: Defeated No. 6 Alabama
KenPom rating: 50 Overall, 27 Offense, 96 Defense
Leading scorer: Blake Wesley, 14.4 ppg
Key stat of tournament: The Irish are looking to become the third team to reach the Final Four after playing in the First Four.
An injury to the Crimson Tide’s Jahvon Quinerly was a factor, but Cormac Ryan’s 29 points and six rebounds were the biggest difference here. ND was 10-16 from three point range, and 29-54 from the floor as a team.