UK shot 53%, 50% from 3pt, 70% at the FT line, had 9 blocks...
... and only 11 turnovers, and didn't miss a shot the last 11 minutes of the game... that's not playing mediocre. I realize people might have been surprised that ND was effective offensively, but the Irish were #2 or 3 nationally in offensive officiency (so strength going against strength). Actually ND shot sub-par from 3pt line (4/14) - if they'd hit even a few of the open looks they had when it was a 4-5pt lead, they very well probably would have won. It did well inside the arc, and while that probably surprised people, they did have the #1 2pt shooting % in the country this season.
Did ND play well - sure. Did they play crazy good, no. They were great in controlling the tempo, but what we saw last night is pretty much how they've played all season - particulary the last month.
A lot of "UK played poorly, and ND played over their head" is based on pre-game/program perception. I fully expect for Wisconsin to beat them next Saturday, even w/o shooting 10/12 from 3 (or whatever crazy % it was vs. AZ in 2H yesterday).
Cheers,
Erik