Miami Hurricanes vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish Picks and Predictions February 1st 2025

Notre Dame Riding Markus Burton’s Hot Hand into Miami Matchup

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-10, 4-5 ACC) are picking up steam at the right time, and freshman guard Markus Burton has been the catalyst.

After a 71-68 victory over Georgia Tech on Tuesday, the Irish have won three of their last four games, and Burton has been on a tear. The dynamic playmaker dropped 26 points on 9-of-17 shooting, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range, against the Yellow Jackets.

Burton’s recent surge comes after missing all of December with a right knee injury. Since returning, he has been unstoppable, averaging 25 points per game over his last three outings.

“He’s fun to coach because he has great energy and he gives off great energy to his teammates,” Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry said. “He’s learning how people are guarding him, what the situation is, what it calls for.”

Now, Notre Dame heads to Coral Gables, Florida, to take on Miami (4-17, 0-10 ACC), a team still searching for its first conference win.

Can Miami Snap Its Losing Streak?

The Hurricanes have had a season to forget. They’ve dropped 10 straight ACC games and are 0-10 in conference play.

Their latest setback, an 82-71 home loss to Virginia, was another example of their defensive struggles.

“Obviously, a very disappointing loss for us,” said Miami interim coach Bill Courtney. “We couldn’t get key stops. We scored enough to win the game against a very good defensive team.”

Matthew Cleveland was a bright spot, scoring 27 points on 10-of-17 shooting, but his efforts weren’t enough. Miami’s inability to defend the perimeter and stop teams from dictating pace has been a recurring issue.

Key Matchups to Watch

Markus Burton vs. Miami’s Perimeter Defense

Burton is thriving as Notre Dame’s go-to scorer, averaging 20.4 points per game this season. Miami must find a way to contain him or risk another defensive meltdown.

Notre Dame’s Balanced Offense vs. Miami’s Lack of Depth

The Irish are playing team-oriented basketball, with multiple contributors stepping up in key moments. Miami’s bench has been a weak spot, and lack of depth could cost them late in the game.

Miami’s Matthew Cleveland vs. Notre Dame’s Defensive Game Plan

Cleveland has been one of Miami’s few consistent offensive weapons, averaging 16.8 points per game. The Irish must ensure he doesn’t take over the game.

What’s at Stake?

For Notre Dame, this is another step in their push toward a strong ACC finish. With a favorable stretch of games coming up, the Irish can gain momentum for a potential postseason push.

For Miami, this is about salvaging pride. A win over Notre Dame would finally break their double-digit losing streak and provide some relief in an otherwise frustrating season.

Final Prediction

Notre Dame is peaking at the right time, while Miami continues to struggle defensively. If Burton continues his scoring tear, the Irish should take care of business on the road.

Final Score Prediction: Notre Dame 75, Miami 65

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Conclusion

With Burton leading the charge, Notre Dame is trending in the right direction, while Miami is desperate for answers. Will the Irish keep rolling, or can Miami finally snap its losing streak?

All eyes will be on Coral Gables for Saturday’s showdown.