College basketball teams have to go into every game believing they can win. Otherwise, they won’t. However, teams that still have to visit Purcell Pavilion this season might start wondering if it’s possible to beat Notre Dame there. The Irish made NC State their latest victim as they won, 73-65, to improve their home record to 8-0.
The first half was filled with frequent lead changes and ties with both teams battling to hold onto the ball, so the game was tied at 30 at halftime. Then, the Irish (13-6, 6-2) went on a 15-0 run in the second half and never lost the lead after that. Every time the Wolfpack (10-11, 3-7) made a run, even cutting a 10-point deficit to three at one point, the Irish had an answer. Even when the lead was cut to five with less than two minutes to go, the Irish calmly sank free throws to keep the home crowd at ease.
Nate Laszewski had a huge game for the Irish, achieving a double-double consisting of 18 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the field (4 of 5 from 3-point range) and 11 rebounds. Dane Goodwin nearly joined Laszewski in the double-double club, scoring 17 points with four of his own 3-pointers and grabbing eight rebounds. Blake Wesley shot poorly from the field (3 of 16), but he made eight free throws to finish with 15 points. Prentiss Hubb scored 11 points and had a game-high five assists.
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