Notre Dame Fighting Alumni overcame the odds to win The Basketball Tournament
At risk of many terrible ensuing pot of gold jokes, the Notre Dame Fighting Alumni took home the first ever championship and $500,000 cash prize at The Basketball Tournament to cap off the first edition of the 32-team slugfest that you can learn more about here.
The alumni, happily reunited, relived their college glory by defeating Barstool Sports 72-68 at Case Gym in Boston. Tyrone Nash led the victors with 19 points on 8-10 shooting and won MVP honors. Notre Dame coach Mike Brey was in the house to watch a Fighting Irish story just slightly less touching than Rudy unfold on the court.
Barstool Boston's mercenary team of stars fell short, with just one actual player on the bench to Notre Dame's three. Teamwork and friendship would win the day (the alumni assisted on 14 of 26 field goals). After finding the prize at the end of the rainbow, the Irish will donate some of their winnings to Coaches vs. Cancer.
The inaugural tournament was a success, drawing interest from around the country, from former pros to regular guys.
Who knows, maybe Extra Mustard will field a team next year. We're looking at you, Adam Morrison.