Notre Dame Shows Its Teeth in Confident Win Over Purdue Fort Wayne
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish took care of business Saturday afternoon in South Bend, handling Purdue Fort Wayne with the kind of poise and energy that head coach Micah Shrewsberry has been preaching since day one. This wasn’t just a win-it was a statement about where this young team is headed.
From the opening tip at Purcell Pavilion, Notre Dame played with purpose. Freshman guard Jalen Haralson wasted no time making his presence felt, attacking the rim with authority and setting the tone on both ends of the floor.
One moment he was driving straight through the defense, the next he was rejecting a shot with a level of timing that belied his age. Haralson’s two-way play continues to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the Irish’s season.
But this wasn’t a one-man show. Braeden Shrewsberry stepped into his rhythm early, knocking down shots with confidence.
His perimeter shooting stretched the Mastodons’ defense, creating space for Notre Dame’s guards to operate inside. Shrewsberry’s ability to find his spots and convert under pressure is becoming a real asset for this squad.
Logan Imes also made his mark, showing off his driving ability and fearlessness in the paint. He attacked with purpose, finishing through contact and keeping the defense on its heels. It’s the kind of aggressive, downhill play that Notre Dame needs to keep defenses honest.
On the sideline, Coach Shrewsberry was locked in, directing traffic and calling plays with the intensity of a coach who knows exactly what kind of identity he wants this team to build. You could see the trust growing between him and his players-especially on the defensive end, where the Irish held their ground and contested nearly every look Purdue Fort Wayne tried to get off.
There was a clear emphasis on communication and effort on defense. Haralson’s block on Deandre Craig in the first half was a highlight, but it was also emblematic of the team’s overall commitment to protecting the paint and rotating with discipline.
This win might not make national headlines, but it’s the kind of performance that builds confidence in a locker room. Notre Dame played with energy, shared the ball, and showed flashes of the kind of cohesion that can carry them into conference play with momentum.
For a program in the early stages of a rebuild under Shrewsberry, this was a step forward. The pieces are young, but the potential is there-and Saturday’s win was another glimpse of what this group could become when it all starts to click.