Friday, March 9, 2012

Former Irish Hoopster Zach Hillesland's BLOG


Zach Hillesland was a student-athlete here at the University of Notre Dame from 2005 - 2009.  Ever since Zach's senior season at ND -- he's been blogging for the New York Times.

Yesterday, Zach penned an outstanding blog piece for the New York Times about Mike Brey and this year's edition of the Fightin' Irish of Notre Dame.

You'll love Zach's ability to tell a story!

LINK:  THE CONSTANT IN NOTRE DAME BASKETBALL

The IRISH WIN -- Atkins Hits Clutch Shot!


In a game that never wanted to end -- FINALLY ENDED in OT, with the longest final second in the history of college basketball...

And, in the YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP department...  Notre Dame was apparently a 2.5 or 3.0 favorite over USF.  So, the IRISH are up by two points with ONE SECOND left in the game.  All Notre Dame has to to is inbound the ball and the game is over.

Not so fast my friends...

Standing on the sideline, Scott Martin throws the pass across court to Pat Connaughton who catches the ball and is fouled with ONE TENTH OF A SECOND ON THE CLOCK.  He's awarded two free throws -- makes them both -- and the IRISH win by FOUR POINTS.  So, in a matter of one-tenth of a second -- bettors all over the world went from WINNER to LOSER.

That's why you don't bet!!!

It wasn't a pretty win -- but, from here on out -- any win is a GREAT WIN!  The IRISH will play tonight at 9 PM ET against LOUISVILLE in the Semi-Finals of the Big East Tournament.  ESPN will televise the game.

LINK:  LOCKER ROOM CELEBRATION

LINK:  POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

LINK:  GAME HIGHLIGHTS