Notre Dame Basketball: Navigating Rough Waters
Notre Dame basketball is in need of a turnaround. Just a couple of weeks ago, things were looking up for the Irish.
They snagged a rare league victory at home and had some downtime to prepare for the stretch run. But then, reality hit hard.
First, a disappointing loss to Pittsburgh, a game they should have had in the bag. Then, a crushing defeat by No.
1 Duke at home, leaving fans and players alike feeling deflated. The optimism that followed the win over Georgia Tech has quickly faded.
Upcoming Matchup: Notre Dame vs. North Carolina State
- Date: Saturday, February 28
- Start Time: 12 p.m.
- Location: Purcell Pavilion
- TV: The CW
- Radio: 960 WSBT-AM in South Bend; SiriusXM ACC Radio
Series Snapshot
North Carolina State holds a slight edge over Notre Dame with an 11-10 all-time record. The Wolfpack have been dominant recently, winning three straight and seven of the last nine matchups. The last time Notre Dame triumphed at home was in January 2022 with a 73-65 victory.
Key Storylines
- Searching for Pride: Notre Dame needs to dig deep after a tough week.
The loss to Duke was not just a defeat; it was a dismantling that left the team and fans reeling. Can they find the resolve to bounce back?
- Tournament Hopes: With the ACC Tournament approaching, Notre Dame is running out of time to secure a spot. Currently 16th in the league, they need to climb the standings to ensure their season extends beyond March 7.
- NC State’s Road Woes: The Wolfpack have struggled on the road, suffering heavy losses at Louisville and Virginia. They’ll be looking to reverse that trend against Notre Dame.
Players to Watch
- Ven-Allen Lubin (NC State): A familiar face to Irish fans, Lubin has become a key player for the Wolfpack. Averaging 13.5 points and 7.0 rebounds, he’s a force on both ends of the court. His journey has taken him through multiple schools, but his impact remains significant.
- Braeden Shrewsberry (Notre Dame): Despite recent struggles, Shrewsberry is a proven talent. Averaging 11.6 points and boasting a .400 three-point percentage, he’s a critical component of Notre Dame’s offense. Expect him to find his rhythm again soon.
Looking Ahead
Notre Dame’s season hangs in the balance as they face North Carolina State. A win could reignite their hopes, while a loss might spell the end of their postseason dreams. It’s a pivotal moment for the Irish, and fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds.