Notre Dame basketball is clearly transitioning in Micha Shrewsberry’s first year as head coach but that doesn’t mean they’re not improving. The Irish were a heavy home underdog to No. 13 Duke on Saturday night but they didn’t play the part of an unworthy opponent.
The Irish actually jumped out to a nine-point lead, but it didn’t hold. As has been an issue seemingly for years for Notre Dame, they couldn’t close the first half well, allowing Duke to end it on a 13-4 run.
In the second half Duke was largely in control but at various times when it appeared they were about to run away, Notre Dame would tighten up on defense and stay within an arms length.
Ultimately it was a 67-59 Duke victory but one that left Blue Devils head coach Jon Scheyer impressed with what Micha Shrewsberry is building in South Bend. Below are a few of the highlights from Scheyer’s postgame press conference.