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ACC recap: Notre Dame makes historic comeback against Tennessee

By Arielle Chambers

KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 16: Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) is guarded by Tennessee Lady Volunteers guard Meme Jackson (10) during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Tennessee Lady Volunteers on January 16, 2017, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee upset the Irish 71-69. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN - JANUARY 16: Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) is guarded by Tennessee Lady Volunteers guard Meme Jackson (10) during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Tennessee Lady Volunteers on January 16, 2017, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee upset the Irish 71-69. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Atlantic Coast Conference showcased a series of exciting games the night of Jan. 18.  Games consisted of overtimes (and double overtimes) and historic comebacks.

Clemson defeated Boston College 65-61 in double overtime.  No. 12 Florida State forced Wake Forest into overtime, after fighting back from a 14-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter.  The Seminoles topped with Demon Deacons 81-79.

No. 5 Notre Dame (17-2) defied odds and demonstrated a historic rally against No. 6 Tennessee (16-2).   The Fighting Irish, who have endured several season-ending injuries to key players, recorded the largest comeback in program history, and the second-largest NCAA Division I comeback in the past five seasons, in the 84-70 victory over the Lady Vols (und.com).

A back-and-forth of trailing then making necessary runs allowed the Irish to finish with an edge over their opponent. The first half concluded with a score of 39-27, after a 10-0 Irish run, in favor of the Lady Vols. Notre Dame ultimately fought from a 23-point deficit and rallied 37 points to top Tennessee.

Notre Dame’s Arike Ogunbowale anchored the team in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 points within those ten minutes. The starting guard finished with 27 points and eight rebounds, making it her 13th 20-plus-point game of the season.

Notre Dame is now 7-21 all-time against Tenneseee. And, despite injury, they have managed to win 18-straight home games.  The home-game streak has the chance to continue, as the Irish are scheduled to host Clemson before going on the road. The Irish will take on the Tigers at Purcell Pavilion on Sunday, Jan. 21, 1pm ET.

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