NJ's Matt Farrell of Notre Dame breaks out against No. 1 Villanova - NJ.com

NEWARK -- Matt Farrell didn't want his breakout game to be a loss, even it was against the No. 1 team in the country. And you could see it on his face as the Notre Dame guard fielded questions in the interview room at Prudential Center on Saturday afternoon.

But the glum look of disappointment changed to optimism as he thought back on one of the best games of his career, especially considering where his college career appeared headed a year ago.

Against the top-ranked Wildcats, Farrell, who starred at Point Pleasant Beach High School, had 18 points on 8-of-13 shooting with six assists to help the Irish hang with the defending national champions before falling short, 74-66, in the Never Forget Tribute Classic.

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It may have been a defeat, but it was undoubtedly a successful homecoming.

"It was a blast playing here," Farrell said. "I think last year, I wasn't playing that much, you know? So I wasn't able to kind of play my game. I was playing a different kind of role. But in terms of playing here, that was a blast."

Farrell was a highly touted recruit after starring for the Garnet Gulls and committed to Notre Dame after previously pledging to play for Monmouth, but played just 4.1 minutes game as a freshman and averaged just 2.6 points per game as a sophomore. His Irish career was not panning out as expected.

But things started to change at the end of Farrell's sophomore campaign. Farrell started in the NCAA Tournament, helping the Irish make it to the Elite Eight.

"I'm really excited about where he's at. We started in the NCAA Tournament and he delivered," Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said. "He was going into the summer and the offseason knowing it was his basketball team. He's taken it and run with it. It's his squad."

Now starting full time for the Irish, Farrell is averaging 12.4 points and 5.4 assists per game. After registering double-digit points just once in his first two seasons, he's done it seven times in 10 contests this season including the last four straight.

Farrell was strong enough against Villanova to catch the eye of ESPN's Jay Bilas, who heaped praise on him on Twitter.

Notre Dame's Matt Farrell may be the most improved player in the country. Legit.

-- Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) December 10, 2016

But scoring isn't what has caught Brey's eye. It's Farrell's ball-security and decision making that has made the difference to him.

"I think what he's done a great job of is being better with the basketball, taking care of the ball," Brey said. "He was a little loose with the ball as a young guard, a freshman, even halfway through his sophomore year, but he's gotten better with his decisions with the basketball. Now there's a lot of pressure on him, because he's got it in the ball-screens stuff a lot and he's having to make a lot of decisions. But he's really been better there. And I think he's been better defensively. He's smaller, but he's quick enough and he is a fighter. I mean, he is one tough Jersey guy.

Playing limited minutes made it difficult for Farrell to get into a groove at point guard. He's now averaging 29 minutes per game and it's clear what his role on the team is.

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"I think it's kind of more my team. I can go out there, if I see something, I can talk to coach about it. Just trying to be more vocal. They look to me," Farrell said. "So I'm just trying to lead the team and I think that helps me play my game."

This is clearly Farrell's team, and it's a good one. Even if the Irish couldn't take down Villanova, they're nationally ranked and one of the best teams in a loaded ACC. And after two years of learning the college game, Farrell is ready to lead.

"Really thrilled for Matt Farrell because he paid his dues and he played behind two NBA guards for two years, Jerian Grant and Demetrius Jackson," Brey said. "But I tell you what, his production is as good as any of those guys. And that's what's so neat to see."

Jeremy Schneider may be reached at jschneider@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @J_Schneider. Find NJ.com on Facebook.