Not even the third time was the charm for the Notre Dame men’s basketball as it took until their fourth try to finally get a home game played to start the 2020-21 season.
After losing last Saturday night at Michigan State, Notre Dame saw three different home games cancelled against the likes of Western Michigan, Tennessee, and Purdue Fort Wayne before the Irish finally started their home slate against Detroit (Mercy) on Sunday.
Notre Dame started quick Sunday as an 11-2 run by the Irish with seven minutes remaining before halftime as their lead extended to 34-26 with the lead eventually being 37-31 at halftime, in large part due to ten first-half points by Nate Laszewski.
To the credit of Mercy, however, they kept battling all afternoon, eventually taking a 63-62 lead with under six minutes to play. A prompt 12-0 run by Notre Dame though effectively ended the threat as the Irish would emerge a 78-70 winner.
Prentiss Hubb led Notre Dame with 18 points while Laszewski scored six more in the second half to finish with 16. All Irish starters reached double figures while Laszewski and Dane Goodwin both finished with double-doubles.
The win improves Notre Dame to 1-1 on the young season as they’ll now turn their focus to the Big Ten-ACC Challenge as Ohio State comes to Purcell Pavillion on Tuesday night.
Highlights Below: