The 'Len' Zone
Notre Dame vs Pittsburgh
ACC Tournament Thriller
Notre Dame edged Pittsburgh 55-54 in a nail-biting ACC Tournament opener. The Irish now advance to face North Carolina in the second round.

by Len Clark

Last-Second Drama
1
Final Minute
Pittsburgh's Brandin Cummings hit a three-pointer with 1:09 left. The Panthers took a 54-52 lead.
2
Clutch Response
Nikita Konstantynovsky tied the game at 54 with a crucial jumper.
3
Winning Moment
Tae Davis calmly sank the game-winning free throw with just 0.5 seconds remaining.
A Battle of Attrition
10
Lead Changes
The lead constantly shifted throughout this competitive contest.
7
Ties
Neither team could establish a commanding advantage.
0.5
Seconds Left
The game came down to the final moment.
Notre Dame's Key Contributors
Tae Davis
Led with 11 points and 5 rebounds. His clutch free throw sealed the victory.
Nikita Konstantynovsky
Perfect 4-for-4 shooting for 10 points. Grabbed a game-high 9 rebounds.
Markus Burton
Added 10 points and 3 assists, providing steady playmaking.
Looking Ahead: North Carolina Challenge
Offensive Improvement
Notre Dame shot just 39.6% from the field. They need better shooting against UNC.
Size Disadvantage
The Tar Heels bring superior size and athleticism. Irish must counter with execution.
Momentum Factor
The emotional win could spark Notre Dame. Confidence matters in tournament play.
Game Details

1

1
Time & Date
Tipoff against UNC is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday.

2

2
Tournament Implications
Winner advances to quarterfinals. Notre Dame needs a deep run.

3

3
Season Context
Every win is crucial for the Irish's.