Irish Win Fifth ACC Road Game

Laszewski injured in first half

RALEIGH, N.C. – Winning in college basketball is h ard.  Winning on the road in ACC conference play is even harder but the Irish, behind a strong zone defense, defeated NC State on Saturday 60-57 to sweep the series against the Wolfpack.

Notre Dame (16-7, 9-3) placed five players in double-figure scoring and were led by Paul Atkinson, Jr. who picked up a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.  The Irish lost Nate Laszewski in the first half with an injury, which allowed Trey Wertz to come off the bench and score 12 points.  Dane Goodwin also had a double-double scoring 12 points and pulling down 1o rebounds.

The Irish jumped out to a quick 11 points to start the game and led by as many as 17 points in the first half.  NC State did not score a basket until the 13:13 mark of the opening half, but put together a run to trail by only five points going into the intermission,

Notre Dame’s zone defense was a major factor in the win, as the Wolfpack managed only 30% from the field on 20-67 shooting, but managed to take a lead a 40-37 in the second half.

NC State (10-14, 3-10) was led in scoring by Terquavion Smith with 19 points.

The Fighting Irish will take on the Louisville Cardinals next Wednesday night at Purcell Pavilion in ACC conference play.  The tip at 7 p.m. EST.

1st Half

Media Timeouts

#1 – 15:30 Notre Dame 9-0

#2 – 12:09 Notre Dame 15-3

#3 – 7:42 Notre Dame 23-9

#4 – 3:06 Notre Dame 27-20

Halftime Score 

Notre Dame 33

NC State 28

ND – Blake Wesley and Prentiss Hubb - 8 points each

NC State – Terquavion Smith - 15 points

2nd Half

Media Timeouts

#1 – 14:26 NC State 38-37

#2 – 11:37 Notre Dame 44-42

#3 – 7:24 Notre Dame 51-44

#4 – 3:18 Notre Dame 61-48

Final Score

Notre Dame 69

NC State 57

ND – Paul Atkinson, Jr. – 15 points and 10 Rebounds; Dane Goodwin - 10 Rebounds

NC State – Terquavion Smith - 15 points, - Dereon Seabron – 9 Rebounds

Notre Dame – FG: 53%- 3FG: 35%- FT: 82%- Rebounds: 38

NC State – FG: 30%- 3FG: 29%- FT:  71% - Rebounds: 33

Game Notes

Largest Notre Dame lead: 17 points

Largest NC State lead: 3 points

Lead Changes: 2      

Ties: 1- (40)

Technical Fouls: -

Tip-ins

Notre Dame with the win now leads the series 10-8.

Nate Laszewski injured in the first half and did not return to the game with a lower leg contusion.