8. Ballin Against the Broncos

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame men’s basketball (3-4) finally gets to return to Purcell Pavilion for a mid-week matchup against Western Michigan (2-5). The Fighting Irish will host the Broncos on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. ET on ACCNX. Tickets are still available for purchase via the link in the table above.

Swifties unite and be a part of Irish Hoops (Taylor’s Version) on Tuesday. We’ll have light-up bracelets, a special poster giveaway and Taylor music throughout the night.

NOTRE DAME vs WMU

A series that began over a century ago, 1916 as a matter of fact. The Irish are 21-8 all-time against Western Michigan and have won 10 straight in the series. The last time these two clashed on the hardwood – Dec. 20, 2021, when ND won 78-61. The Irish have not lost to the Broncos since 1966.

HOME SWEET HOME

Seven games into the season and the Irish have spent four of them away from the friendly confines of Purcell Pavilion. At home, the Irish are averaging 68.7 points on 46.4% shooting from the floor, with a .343 mark from three-point range. Away from Purcell, the Irish are averaging just 56.8 points on 34.2% shooting, with a .212 mark from three.

NOTABLE FROM MIAMI

Notre Dame’s defensive efforts limited the Hurricanes to a season-low in points – 24 points fewer than their season average of 86 points per game. Miami also entered the contest ranked 2nd in the country in three-point shooting percentage (.431) and 15th in FG% (.510). Notre Dame then limited them to .389 and .463, respectively.

“We can guard, even for a group of freshmen and sophomores,” Coach Shrewsberry said. “They’re believing in what we’re talking about. We’re sitting in a stance and guarding. It’s all positive. There ain’t no moral victories. I’ll tell you that much.”

Notre Dame’s scoring defense of 66.1 now ranks 3rd in the ACC and 77th in the country.

“Coming here and playing this way against this team, all you’re looking for is belief. We’re getting more and more of it as we keep playing well in difficult environments.”

TRENDING

J.R. Konieczny is emerging as an early-season standout for the Irish. He has recorded double-digit points in four of the last five games. He leads the team in scoring in that five-game span, averaging 12.2 points on 46.5% shooting, including a 9-for-23 mark from three. He’s also averaging 6.6 rebounds in that span. Konieczny is coming off a career high four made three-pointers in a 14-point showing at #8 Miami (12/2).

Also trending right now for Notre Dame is Tae Davis. In the last two games Davis has flashed his ability to attack the rim: 27 points (13.5 ppg) and 18 rebounds (9.0 rpg) – seven of which have been offensive boards. Davis is coming off his first career double-double and against #8 Miami (12/2) no less – recording 12 points and 10 rebounds.

CRASHING THE GLASS

The Irish dominated the offensive boards at #8 Miami as they outrebounded the Hurricanes 15-6. It marked the first time Notre Dame achieved at least 15 O-boards since they grabbed 19 against High Point on Nov. 16, 201.

Tae Davis was a big part of that, reeling in four offensive rebounds to ultimately collect a career high 10 boards. Davis now leads the team in rebounding with 5.7 per game. He also averages a team best 2.3 offensive rebounds per game, which ranks 9th in the ACC.

HITTING THE MARK(US)

Everyone is starting to take notice of freshman point guard Markus Burton. To help you get more acquainted, read up on the following stats:

• His 14.9 ppg leads all ACC freshmen and ranks 10th nationally amongst DI freshmen.
• Burton has started his career with five straight games in double figures before the streak ended with 8 points at South Carolina.
• Burton picked up his second game of 20 or more points against Oklahoma St on Nov. 17. The following is a list of the most 20-point games by an Irish freshman: Adrian Dantley (13 in ‘73-74), Troy Murphy (10 in ‘98-99) and David Rivers (10 in ‘84-85).
• Twice this season, Burton has notched double-digit points in the second half alone – Oklahoma St and Niagara.

— ND —