The Notre Dame women’s basketball team fell to No. 24 Michigan Thursday night, 76-66, and to 1-2 on the year with the home loss.
Sam Brunelle and Katlyn Gilbert both made their season debuts for the Irish but it wasn’t enough to get by Michigan as the Wolverines went on a 25-10 run to overcome an early 15-8 deficit, but the Irish did close the first half with a 9-3 run of their own to cut Michigan’s lead to just two.
The third quarter was played to a near draw after Michigan’s quick start to the half behind the arc and had the Irish down just three, 54-51 heading to the final frame.
The Irish were able to cut the Michigan lead to just one early in the fourth but a quick 7-0 run by the Wolverines stretched the lead to eight points and the Irish struggled to stay within striking distance, getting it within five at one point in the fourth, 65-60, but being outscored 11-6 from there.
Maddy Westbeld led the Irish with 18 points while Anaya Peoples scored 13 herself.
Naz Hillmon’s 20 points and 11 rebounds for Michigan led all players.
Notre Dame returns to the court to close out their out-of-conference schedule on Sunday when they play host to IUPUI at 2 p.m. ET.