On a night where Notre Dame was shorthanded, the Irish received contributions up and down the roster
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish took to the court this evening to take on the Presbyterian Blue Hose at Purcell Pavilion. The Irish were a bit short handed as two members of the regular rotation were unable to play. Robby Carmody was still working his way through the concussion protocol. John Mooney was sent back to his apartment after attempting to get through pregame warm-ups with the stomach flu.
The first half was closer than anticipated with the Blue Hose edging ahead of the Irish 28-27 with 4:27 remaining in the first half. Notre Dame went into the half with a 39-31 lead Presbyterian’s leading scorer in the first half was Cory Hightower, who tallied 12 points. Rex Plueger and T.J. Gibbs each scored 8 points to lead the Irish. Notre Dame knocked down 8-15 three point attempts in the first half. Mike Brey could not have been pleased that with the defensive effort as the Blue Hose shot 48.1% from the field and 50% from behind the arc to allow them to stay within shouting distance at halftime.
Notre Dame and the Blue Hose combined for 2 points in the first 5 minutes of the second half. Notre Dame then went on a 9-0 run to extend its lead to 48-37. However, Presbyterian clawed their way back in the game, drawing to within 2 at 51-49 with 8:46 remaining. They would get no closer as Notre Dame methodically pulled away down the stretch. Nate Laszewski scored 7 of his 11 points in the second half. Notre Dame received contributions up and down its lineup tonight as six of the seven Fighting Irish players who took the court scored at least 7 points. Rex Pflueger led the way with 13 points and 6 assists. Juwan Druham chipped in 15 rebounds. Notre Dame ended the night shooting 41.2 % from the field and 38.5% from behind the arc. Presbyterian finished the night an ugly 5-21 from three point range.
The Irish return to the court on Thursday night against the Toledo Rockets as they continue their early season home. Tipoff is set for 7:30 pm (CT).
