Dame claim Emerald Hoops International Series
23 August 2008
Notre Dame 90 Iceland 65
The fighting Irish competed their thirteen day tour of Ireland with a comprehensive 90-65 win over Iceland to secure the gold medal in the Emerald Hoops tournament this afternoon.
MVP for the game went to Notre Dame Gaurd, Tory Guard who contributed with six rebounds, two assists and five points. Also in contention for the Golden Ball was Luke Harangody who turned in his best game of the three day tournament to over run the Icelandic defence.
As to the player of the tournament, that accolade went to Kyle McAllarney whose superb shooting has illuminated the Arena over the course of the three days.
The Americans who enjoyed a 25-8 record stateside last season were decked out in their traditional green strip and accounted for the first nine points of the game with double winning MV and Notre Dame three point specialist, Kyle McAllarney finding the target with his first shot inside two minutes.
But Iceland having secured a late win over the host nation last night soon found their stride with Logi Gunnarson dropping in two three pointers of his own to put the Europeans right back into the contention.
And up until the two minute mark it was basket for basket before McAlarney landed his second three pointers to put six between the sides heading down the stretch.
And Harangody's physical presence on the inside allowed the Fighting Irish to further extend that gap. And a shot side from the side from Ryan Ayers followed by an easy layup by Tory Jackson had established a 25-13 lead for Micheal Brey's team at the end of the quarter.
Notre Dame cranked it up early in the second quarter with two more big shots from McAlarney forming part of an impressive run as the Americans began to pick off their baskets with relative ease.
Approaching the midway point of the quarter, Notre Dame lead 37-20 allowing them to rest their big game players, Harangody and McAlarney approaching half time.
But there was no let up from the Americans who landed two outside shots Carleton Scott and Ty Proffit in the final minute to set up a 52-28 lead at the break..
The third quarter was relatively quiet by comparison but four baskets from Harangody allowed the Americans to maintain their comfortable cushion despite some good shooting from Logi Gunnarson towards the end.
That put the Americans up 69-46 heading into the final quarter and early baskets from Ayers, Harangody, and Jackson ensured a comfortable ride for the Fighting Irish in the end.
Top Scorers:
Notre Dame: K McAlarney 22, L Harangody 19, C Scott 13
Iceland: L Gunnarson 27, J Siguroarson 9