Who needs to wait until March to feel the nerves and excitement of tournament basketball?
Tuesday night saw a riveting encounter for the Legends Classic Championship, with Notre Dame and Northwestern going back and forth for 40 minutes, almost nothing separating the teams. With the Wildcats up by one with under 20 seconds to go, however, Northwestern’s Nathan Taphorn threw an inbounds pass away, allowing Notre Dame an attempt to take the lead. Take the lead they did, as senior guard Matt Farrell drove into Taphorn, drew a foul and hit the game-winning layup with 14.7 seconds remaining as Notre Dame came away with a hard-fought 70-66 victory. While the offense got the job done in the end, what probably made the difference for the Fighting Irish was its defense on dynamic Northwestern guard Bryant McIntosh. One night after scoring 20 points in a win over No. 22 Texas, McIntosh was held to 3-of-18 shooting and committed four turnovers on Tuesday night.
The game definitely wasn’t a bad way to head into the holiday season. There are 12 photos in this gallery, and, after clicking on one to enlarge, make sure to press the left and right arrow buttons to scroll through the rest of the pictures.
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Turn the Corner
Northwestern guard Isiah Brown drives past Notre Dame forward V.J. Beachem during the Legends Classic Title Game at Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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I'll Pass...
Northwestern guard Bryant McIntosh passes around Notre Dame defenders Bonzie Colson (far left) and T.J. Gibbs during the Legends Classic Title Game at Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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...Or Maybe I'll Shoot.
Northwestern guard Bryant McIntosh attempts a three-pointer over the defense of Notre Dame's Matt Farrell during the Legends Classic Title Game at Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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Layup Line
Notre Dame forward Steve Vasturia attempts a layup during the Fighting Irish's game against Northwestern in the Legends Classic Title Game at Barclays Center. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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A Sure Thing
Notre Dame forward Bonzie Colson scores over Northwestern forward Nathan Taphorn during the Legends Classic Title Game at Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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That's My Jam
Notre Dame forward V.J. Beachem slams home two for the Irish as they played against Northwestern in the Legends Classic Title Game at Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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Playing Politics
New Jersey governor Chris Christie looks on from the stands as Notre Dame and Northwestern meet in the Legends Classic Title Game at Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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The Chase is On
Notre Dame guard Matt Farrell (5) runs down the ball in front of Northwestern guard Bryant McIntosh during the title game of the Legends Classic at the Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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Which Way is Up?
Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey gestures towards his team during the championship game of the Legends Classic at Barclays Center on Nov. 22, 2016. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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Who's The Man?...
Notre Dame guard Matt Farrell reacts after hitting the game-winning basket with 14.7 seconds remaining as the Fighting Irish defeated Northwestern 70-66 in the final of the Legends Classic at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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...I'm The Man!
Notre Dame guard Matt Farrell (l.) and forward V.J. Beachem celebrate Farrell's game-winning score with 14.7 seconds remaining. The Fighting Irish defeated Northwestern 70-66 to win the Legends Classic. (Photo by Robert Cole) -
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A Banner Day
Members of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish basketball team pose for pictures at center court after winning the Legends Classic over Northwestern 70-66 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. (Photo by Robert Cole)