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WATCH: Notre Dame sends game to double OT in wild overtime finish

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

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Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

Notre Dame vs. Rutgers in the First Four became an instant classic. Just when Rutgers appeared to take control in overtime, the Scarlet Knights made some costly mistakes — and the Fighting Irish capitalized.

Rutgers had a 76-75 lead with 25 seconds left, but botched the inbound pass, which led to a layup from Notre Dame’s Cormac Ryan to take a 77-76 lead.

Then, Paul Mulcahy hit a three to make it 79-77 Rutgers, but Blake Wesley — on his birthday — made a layup on the other end to tie it back up. That forced double OT, and robbed plenty of college basketball fans a full night sleep.

Notre Dame and Rutgers are squaring off on TruTV for a chance to take on No. 6 seed Alabama on Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

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

What a game between Notre Dame and Rutgers in the First Four on Wednesday night. It took two overtimes, but Paul Atkinson hit an insane put-back last-second shot to give the Fighting Irish the win — and send them to the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

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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.

Caleb McConnell had a massive night for Rutgers, leading the Scarlet Knights with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Ron Harper Jr. had 22 points, including a late three to tie it with 23 seconds left. Geo Baker also hit some big-time shots down the stretch to help force overtime. He finished with 19 points.