Bonzie Colson Returns, Notre Dame Rolls on Senior Night
Bonzie Colson was back on the court for the first time since missing 12 games with a broken foot on Wednesday night in front of the home crowd at Purcell Pavillion one final time. Senior night is normally special but tonight’s was extra special with Colson’s return and win #100 for this senior class. The Irish dispatched a Pitt team that is now 0-18 in league play 73-56 to keep their slim NCAA Tourney hopes alive.
In his first game back, Colson logged 21 minutes and posted 12 points and 9 rebounds on 6 of 10 shooting. He added three blocks to his stat line for the night as well. The most important number there though was the 21 minutes. Being able to log that many minutes in his first game back is a great indicator that he could be used even more next week in Brooklyn in the ACC Tournament and on Saturday in the regular season finale against #1 ranked Virginia.
Matt Farrell added 14 points and fellow senior Martinas Geben posted 9 points and 13 rebounds on Senior Night. Geben’s game blossomed in Colson’s absence and he continued his strong play this evening.
Notre Dame is still missing freshman DJ Harvey, but Colson’s triumphant return gives Notre Dame some life as they attempt to claw their way back into the Tournament mix.
Regardless of what happens on Saturday, Notre Dame needs a deep run in the ACC Tourney next week to have a chance at danching in March. Tonight was a good first step though.
Hey, not to bad, saved face, tied them in 2nd half. Still got some spunk left.
The game against Virginia on Saturday will be important too. If they could notch a win in that game that will go a long way to helping their NCAA chances, though they will still need a deep run in the ACC playoffs.
With Colson back in the line-up, esp. if he’s 100% next week, that could go a long way.
Damian,
A win over Virginia would probably get us in the big dance – or at least get us a play-in. It would probably require 30 minutes from Bonzie though, and the rest of the team playing tough for 40 minutes. It’s possible, but that’s about all we can say about it.
I’d love to see it of course, but I’m still planning on some NIT seats, hopefully at the Joyce center.
The Muffeteers are looking good for a NCAA Championship – if not this year, then next year for sure!
BGC
La Crosse, Indiana