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WATCH: Mike Brey has hilarious reaction to Notre Dame's 2OT win over Rutgers

ns_headshot_2024-clearby:Nick Schultz•03/16/22•

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Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Mike Brey had every reason to be excited after his Notre Dame team knocked off Rutgers on a last-second shot on Wednesday. Well, technically, it ended on Thursday on the East Coast — and he was quick to remind people it was St. Patrick’s Day.

“You know that basket went in on St. Patrick’s Day?” Brey told TruTV’s Jon Rothstein. “So it’s official, baby. It’s official.”

Yes, Notre Dame’s Paul Atkinson hit a put-back layup with about two seconds left to give the Fighting Irish a thrilling 89-87 win over Rutgers in the First Four. Afterward, Brey ranked the game among the best he’s ever been a part of.’

In fact, he put it right on top.

“This is the best game I’ve ever been in. … Two teams that just kept punching,” Brey said. “I’m really proud of our guys because or defense was better in the second half.”

Now, Brey and Notre Dame have to turn around and travel to San Diego to take on No. 6 seed Alabama on Friday. That’s quick turnaround as the Fighting Irish travel from Dayton.

Brey acknowledged the task at hand, but he made sure to note he has his priorities in order to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

“There’d better be some Irish whiskey on that plane,” Brey said. “I’m drinking some of that.

“Alabama can really score. We’ve got another challenge, but we’ll be there early ready to play.”

As Brey wrapped up his interview, he had five words for the fans who stayed up late to watch the marathon game.

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day, baby!” Brey exclaimed before heading into the locker room.

Notre Dame-Rutgers play-in game ends on insane last-second shot

It took two overtimes, but Atkinson hit an insane put-back last-second shot to give Notre Dame the win — and send the Fighting Irish to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Rutgers had the lead at halftime thanks to a late surge in the first half, but Notre Dame stormed back to eventually force overtime despite having a late lead. The two teams continued to trade blows in the extra period before the Fighting Irish capitalized on some Scarlet Knights miscues to force double overtime.

Once again, it went back and forth, but Atkinson’s shot won it for Notre Dame.

That shot capped off a monster night for Atkinson, who finished with 26 points on 13-for-15 shooting to lead all scorers. Nate Laszewski had a huge night off the bench, as well, scoring 18 points to help lead the Fighting Irish to the win.