Notre Dame 86 Buffalo 77

Notre Dame found enough to hang on to defeat Buffalo

Notre Dame jumped out to a 20-12 lead but lost intensity and trailed at the half 40-38.

The start of the 2nd half saw the Irish rediscover their intensity allowing them to only need 5 minutes to open up a 13 point lead

An inconsistent effort from the Irish. They had big leads and then would give up huge runs.

Key Stats

Notre Dame holds Buffalo to 42.9% shooting but gives up 11 three pointers

1st half 3 point shooting was the difference in the first half. Buffalo went 7-18 while the Irish hit only 2-12.

Notre Dame struggled from range shooting 25%

Key Individual Performances

Marcus Burton had quite the night with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists

Tae Davis led the Irish with 27 points and a solid all around effort on both ends

Buffalo’s Ben Michaels hit 4 of 7 from deep.

What it means

Notre Dame improves record to 2-0

The Irish will likely be a bubble team most of the season. Improve the intensity and they have some weapons

Notre Dame has the guards to compete in the ACC. Davis is a physical presence at the 4 as well. How the other pieces play will determine the ceiling for the Irish.

Quotes

Notre Dame Head Coach Micah Shrewsberry “We started both halves playing great defense now we have to sustain it”

More from Shrewsberry “Early in the year this is when you have to be a group that shows resolve. Last year we are losing this game.”

Notre Dame’s Marcus Burton “We took our foot of the gas” – in reference to the first half