Notre Dame Set to Host Missouri in ACC/SEC Challenge Showdown at Purcell Pavilion
It’s been a long time coming, but the ACC/SEC Challenge is finally making a stop in South Bend. For the first time since the event’s inception, Notre Dame basketball gets to host a game in the third edition of the interconference series - and the timing couldn’t be more intriguing.
After spending the first two years of the challenge on the road, falling to South Carolina in 2023 and Georgia in 2024, the Irish now get their shot at a statement win at home. The opponent?
An undefeated Missouri squad that’s been lighting up scoreboards and steamrolling competition. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m.
ET on ESPNU, and the Irish faithful will be hoping Purcell Pavilion brings the kind of energy that can tilt the scales.
A Critical Home Stretch Begins
This matchup kicks off a pivotal stretch for Notre Dame, with four of the next five games at home to close out non-conference play. So far, the Irish have protected their home floor well, going 4-0 in South Bend. But Missouri presents a different kind of test - one that will demand more than just home-court advantage.
Notre Dame’s recent trip to Las Vegas for the Players Era Festival gave the team a taste of high-level competition, but also exposed some flaws. In three games out west, the Irish recorded 27 assists to 29 turnovers - a ratio that simply won’t cut it against a high-octane Missouri team that thrives on tempo and pressure.
Missouri Brings Firepower - and a Familiar Face
Missouri enters the game with an 8-0 record and an offense that’s been nothing short of explosive. The Tigers are averaging 92.8 points per game with a staggering average margin of victory of 24.8 points. While their only win over a power-conference opponent so far came by 23 points against Minnesota, the Tigers have looked the part of a team with serious depth and confidence.
Leading the charge is forward Mark Mitchell - a name Notre Dame fans know all too well. The former Duke standout was a thorn in the Irish’s side during his time in the ACC, and he’s picked up right where he left off.
Mitchell is averaging 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, and leads Missouri in assists (28) and minutes (29.4). He’s also shooting a blistering 64.4% from the field, making him a matchup nightmare at 6-foot-9 and 230 pounds.
Mitchell’s history against Notre Dame is well-documented. He hit a back-breaking shot late in a February 2023 win for Duke and then posted career highs in points (23) and rebounds (14) in a January 2024 win at Purcell Pavilion. He’s no stranger to the Irish - and he’s returning to South Bend with a full head of steam.
Can the Irish Find Their Rhythm?
For Notre Dame, the key is going to be ball security and consistent execution. Head coach Micah Shrewsberry’s squad has shown flashes of potential this season, but turnovers and inconsistent guard play have held them back at times. One player to watch is sophomore guard Sir Mohammed, who’s had moments where he’s looked like a breakout candidate.
At 6-foot-6 and 215 pounds, Mohammed brings size and versatility to the backcourt. He had an early-season breakout with 10 points, six rebounds, and six assists against Detroit Mercy, and followed that up with a solid outing at Ohio State. But since then, he’s struggled to find his footing, including a season-low four-minute, scoreless appearance against Houston.
Still, Mohammed is second on the team in both assists (14) and turnovers (14), and when he’s clicking, the Irish tend to follow suit. If he can rediscover his rhythm, Notre Dame’s offense could look a lot smoother - and they’ll need every bit of that against a Missouri team that thrives in transition.
Series History
This will be the 10th meeting between Missouri and Notre Dame, and history hasn’t been kind to the Irish. Missouri leads the all-time series 7-2, including wins in six of the last eight matchups.
The last meeting came back in 2011, when Missouri rolled to an 87-58 win in the Progressive CBE Classic. That night, Tim Abromaitis led the Irish with 22 points and eight boards, while current Notre Dame radio analyst Scott Martin chipped in 12 points and five rebounds.
Interestingly, Providence head coach Kim English - now making waves in the Big East - was part of that Missouri team, posting a well-rounded stat line of 10 points, six rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals in 34 minutes.
Notre Dame is 2-1 all-time against Missouri at home, and they’ll be looking to tap into that home-court magic once again.
What’s at Stake
This isn’t just another non-conference game. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to prove they can hang with a fast, physical, and undefeated team on national television. It’s also a measuring stick for where this young team stands heading into the heart of the season.
For Missouri, it’s another opportunity to solidify their hot start and add a road win over a respected ACC program to their résumé.
And for fans? It’s the kind of high-profile home matchup that’s been missing from the Notre Dame schedule in recent years.
The last time Purcell Pavilion hosted a marquee non-conference opponent was back in December 2022, when Marquette came to town. The Irish are averaging 4,703 fans per game this season - we’ll see if that number climbs tonight.
How to Watch
- TV: ESPNU
- Radio: 960 WSBT-AM (South Bend), SiriusXM ACC Radio (Channels 955/956)
- Streaming: FuboTV
Looking Ahead
After Missouri, Notre Dame hits the road for a December 5 matchup at TCU before returning home for three straight against Idaho, Evansville, and Purdue Fort Wayne. The Irish close out 2025 with a December 30 trip to Stanford, setting the stage for a challenging ACC slate in the new year.
But first, all eyes are on tonight. A red-hot Missouri squad.
A hungry Notre Dame team. And a Purcell Pavilion crowd ready to make some noise.
Let’s see what kind of statement the Irish can make.