As Duke gears up for a Tuesday night showdown in South Bend, Indiana, the Blue Devils are riding high from their most impressive win of the season. Fresh off a victory over No. 1 Michigan, Duke is looking to keep the momentum going against Notre Dame.
Duke, holding a 25-2 record and dominating the Atlantic Coast Conference with a 13-1 mark, made headlines by taking down the top-ranked Wolverines. This win marked the first time under Coach Jon Scheyer that Duke defeated the No. 1 team in the nation, a feat they last achieved against Gonzaga in 2021.
Despite some hiccups, like 11 turnovers and missing five of 17 free throws, the Blue Devils excelled where it mattered. They controlled the paint, outscoring Michigan 34-24, and dominated the boards with a 41-28 rebounding advantage. Those 13 offensive rebounds translated into 18 second-chance points, showcasing Duke's relentless hustle.
Heading into the clash with Notre Dame, Duke ranks 30th nationally in rebounds per game (39.6) and boasts a stellar shooting percentage inside the arc, hitting 61.6% of their 2-point attempts. Their defense is equally formidable, allowing just 63.1 points per game, placing them third in the nation.
Against Michigan, Duke’s frontcourt trio of Cameron Boozer, Patrick Ngongba II, and Nikolas Khamenia combined for an impressive 35 points and 25 rebounds. Boozer leads the ACC in scoring and rebounding, but Ngongba’s impact was a standout. Coach Scheyer praised Ngongba’s presence, highlighting his defensive instincts and ability to alter shots, which were crucial in the win.
Notre Dame, with a 12-15 record and struggling in the ACC at 3-11, presents a different challenge. The Fighting Irish have hit a rough patch, losing 11 of their last 13 games, including a recent 73-68 loss at Pittsburgh. A tough night from beyond the arc saw them hit just 23.7% of their 3-point attempts, their highest number of attempts this season, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Coach Micah Shrewsberry expressed his frustration, acknowledging the execution struggles despite getting quality shots. The absence of key players Markus Burton and Jalen Haralson, due to injuries, has been a significant blow to the Irish.
With only four games left in the regular season, Notre Dame is at risk of missing the ACC Tournament. Tied with Pitt for the final spot, the Panthers now hold the tiebreaker, putting extra pressure on the Irish to turn things around quickly.
As Duke looks to continue its march towards the postseason, this matchup is more than just another game; it’s a chance to solidify their dominance and keep the momentum rolling against a Notre Dame team fighting to keep its season alive.