Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Stuns Pitt in ACC Tournament with Last-Second Free Throw
In a thrilling and nail-biting finish, the Notre Dame men’s basketball team triumphed over the Pitt Panthers 55-54 in the opening round of the 2025 ACC Tournament. The game came down to the wire, with the Fighting Irish securing the victory in dramatic fashion thanks to a last-second foul call and a clutch free throw from Tae Davis. The victory advances Notre Dame to the second round, where they will face the North Carolina Tar Heels on Wednesday at 2:30 PM EST.
A Game of Inches: The Final Moments
The contest between Notre Dame and Pitt had all the makings of a March Madness-style thriller. Both teams had battled back and forth throughout the game, with neither side able to establish a commanding lead. The game’s final moments were nothing short of a rollercoaster, as tensions ran high, and the fate of the game hung in the balance.
With just seconds remaining on the clock and Pitt leading 54-53, the Panthers had possession and seemed poised to escape with the win. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the Panthers were called for a controversial foul on Notre Dame’s Tae Davis as he attempted a contested shot in the final seconds. The whistle blew, and Davis found himself standing at the free-throw line with the game on the line.
Davis, known for his cool demeanor in high-pressure situations, stepped up to the line with ice in his veins. He drained the first of his two free throws, giving Notre Dame a 55-54 lead with only a fraction of a second remaining. The second free throw was unnecessary, as the Panthers had no time left to mount a comeback, and the buzzer sounded, sealing the Fighting Irish’s dramatic victory.
The foul call, which came under intense scrutiny, will be the subject of conversation for some time. While Pitt players and fans voiced their displeasure, claiming the contact was minimal and not enough to warrant a foul, the officials deemed it a legitimate call, allowing Davis to become the hero of the night.
A Collective Effort: Strong Defense and Key Contributions
While Davis’ game-winning free throw grabbed the headlines, it was a collective team effort that allowed Notre Dame to hang in a hard-fought game against a tough Pitt team. On the defensive side, the Fighting Irish were superb, limiting the Panthers to just 54 points on 38% shooting from the field. Notre Dame’s defense stepped up at crucial moments, forcing Pitt into tough shots and securing key rebounds when needed most.
Veteran guard Marcus Hammond was instrumental in the win, contributing 12 points and providing a steady presence on both ends of the floor. His ability to hit timely shots and keep the offense flowing was essential to Notre Dame staying competitive throughout the game. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish’s frontcourt, led by the versatile Agot Makeer, played a crucial role in limiting Pitt’s interior attack and defending the rim.
Despite shooting struggles at times, Notre Dame’s grit and resilience prevailed, and the ability to execute in the final moments showed the poise and experience this team has developed over the course of the season.
Looking Ahead: Notre Dame vs. North Carolina
With the victory over Pitt now in the rearview mirror, Notre Dame turns its attention to the next challenge: a matchup against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second round of the ACC Tournament. The game is scheduled for 2:30 PM EST on Wednesday, and it promises to be another exciting battle, as both teams are looking to make a statement in the postseason.
North Carolina, one of the most storied programs in college basketball history, enters the game with a strong team, but Notre Dame’s gritty play and ability to execute in clutch moments should not be underestimated. The Fighting Irish will need to bring their A-game against a North Carolina squad that can explode offensively, with star players capable of putting up big numbers.
Key to Notre Dame’s success will be their continued defensive pressure and ability to capitalize on opportunities in transition. The frontcourt battle, particularly the matchup between Agot Makeer and North Carolina’s bigs, will be one to watch. Makeer has proven to be a matchup nightmare for many teams this season, and if he can continue to impact the game at both ends of the floor, Notre Dame will have a strong chance to pull off another upset.
Additionally, Marcus Hammond and Tae Davis will need to continue their strong play, both scoring and facilitating for their teammates. Davis, who has shown his ability to hit clutch free throws, will need to stay aggressive and continue to make plays when the game is on the line. If Notre Dame can execute the way they did against Pitt—staying composed under pressure and playing smart basketball—they will have a shot at advancing further in the tournament.
The Notre Dame men’s basketball team’s victory over Pitt was a thrilling showcase of determination, resilience, and clutch performance. Tae Davis’ last-second free throw will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the defining moments of this year’s ACC Tournament. With the win, the Fighting Irish have now set their sights on North Carolina, a team with a rich basketball tradition and a tough opponent in its own right. But if Notre Dame continues to play with the same intensity and composure, they could very well be poised for a deep run in the tournament.
As March Madness continues to unfold, the Fighting Irish are proving that anything can happen when a team plays together and rises to the occasion. The stage is set for a compelling second-round matchup, and all eyes will be on Notre Dame as they look to continue their postseason journey.