ROAD BLOCK
Irish fall at Pittsburgh for first loss of season away from Joyce Center,
PITTSBURGH — The ball went up, a wide-open look from the corner, and Notre Dame coach Mike Brey considered celebrating.
“The way we’ve been winning, I’m thinking we may steal another one,” Brey said. Clang. Steve Vasturia’s 3-pointer smacked off the rim with 6 seconds left, Pittsburgh’s Jamel Artis grabbed the rebound and the Panthers held on for a 76-72 upset on Saturday. The eighthranked Irish saw their five-game winning streak end despite some gritty play late by star guard Jerian Grant, who scored nine straight to turn an eight-point deficit into a 72-71 lead on a pair of free throws with 31 seconds left.
Needing one stop to improve to 5-0 on the road in conference play for the first time ever, Notre Dame (20-3, 8-2) couldn’t quite get it done. The Panthers put the ball in the hands of Robinson, who sliced into the lane and hit a difficult runner with 12 seconds to go.
“If you were going to steal it, you had to steal it after Jerian’s free throw,” Brey said. “When Robinson hit the runner it’s almost like you don’t deserve it.”
Brey hardly seemed discouraged following a difficult and emotional stretch. Notre Dame needed overtime to win at N.C. State last Sunday and put together a spirited rally to topple No. 4 Notre Dame on Wednesday. Forced to dig deep for the third time in seven days, The Irish nearly did it until Robinson created just enough space to give the Panthers the marquee win they desperately needed.
The coach challenged his team after knocking off the Blue Devils that a victory at the Petersen Events Center would stamp the Irish as a special team. While Brey allowed “we’re not there yet” the Irish certainly look close.
“Our games have been very exhausting,” he said.
Pitt took advantage by shooting a season-high 58 percent. Robinson finished with 14 points and 10 assists for his first career doubledouble. Jamel Artis led the Panthers (14-8, 4-5 ACC) with 19 points. Michael Young added 16 points and Cameron Wright chipped in 14 points as the Panthers improved to 14-3 all-time against Top 10 teams at the Petersen Events Center. “They’re an NCAA team,” Brey said. Maybe, but there’s no doubt about Notre Dame’s postseason destination.
Pitt, desperately needing a marquee win to kickstart a sagging season, hung with the Irish early then got tough late. The game was tied at 63 when Chris Jones made a layup to put the Panthers up. Cameron Wright followed with an emphatic block on Notre Dame’s Demetrius Jackson, leading to an Artis basket. Michael Young followed with two free throws and Pitt seemed to be in control up eight.
The Irish, however, responded behind Grant. The senior guard had just five points in the first 36 minutes before putting Notre Dame in front on four free throws, a runner and a 3-pointer.
It wasn’t enough, however, for the Irish to improve to 5-0 on the road in conference play for the first time ever. Jackson led the Irish with 15 points. Vasturia had 12 and Zach Auguste added 12 points and six boards.