Raleigh, NC – Same song. Different day. Another big deficit. Another big run, but a negative result. Notre Dame’s switch to a zone defense proved to be the adjustment that made the difference as the Irish’s late run put them ahead double-digits, eventually closing out the contest for a 69-57 win over the NC State Wolfpack.
The Wolfpack had another slow start – missing their first six shots, leading to an early 9-0 Notre Dame lead and a quick Kevin Keatts timeout with 15:31 left in the first half. The Irish lead grew to 11-0 before Terquavion Smith got the Wolfpack on the board with a three after NC State missed their first eight shots. The Irish lead grew to 15-3 – forcing another Wolfpack timeout in just eight minutes of action.
NC State’s second field goal of the game came with just over nine minutes left in the half as Casey Morsell hit a corner three, making the score 23-9 in favor of the Irish. The Wolfpack’s offensive struggles continued as the Irish lead grew to 27-11 with 6:05 left before the half. NC State, who has been in this position a few times this season, has showed that they’re able to erase double-digit deficits. Back-to-back three-point baskets from Smith quickly made the score 27-20 with 3:06 remaining before the break. NC State got within four before back-to-back three-pointers from Trey Wentz and Prentiss Hubb pushed the Irish lead back up to eight, before carrying a 33-28 lead into the half.
NC State came out of the locker room on a mission after the break, going on an 8-0 run to take a 38-37 lead with 14:49 remaining forcing an Irish timeout. The Pack would go ahead by three before Blake Wesley took over for Notre Dame to give the Irish a 44-40 lead with baskets inside. The Irish switch to a zone defense paid off as a slight drought allowed them to build a 51-44 lead at the under-eight media timeout with 7:24 left.
The Irish forced an NC State timeout with 5:50 left, holding a 56-44 lead. NC State found themselves again trailing by 15 before turning up the pressure defense to get a few stops and cut the Irish lead to 63-55 with 1:13 left. Notre Dame took care of business at the free-throw line, icing the contest for the 69-57 road win.
The Wolfpack are back in action Wednesday as they host in-state foe Wake Forest. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. inside PNC Arena.