Dominant Second Half Leads Irish To 21-Point Win Over Wake Forest

NOTRE DAME, IN. – Thursday’s 79-58 win over Wake Forest in Purcell Pavilion marks the Irish’s fourth win in the last five games played. Notre Dame seems to be changing the momentum in the new year as they dominated Wake Forest, generating a lead as big as 28 points. 

Notre Dame showed an aggressive strategy and managed to grab a season high 44 rebounds and force the Deacons to a 34.4 shooting percentage.

Four players from the Irish contributed double digits in points, but Juwan Durham was the standout all-star against the Demon Deacons. His 18 points, four blocks and nine rebounds led the Irish in the blowout victory.

HOW IT HAPPENED

The Irish came out with a fierce mentality keeping the Demon Deacons to just nine points in the first 10 minutes of play and forced three turnovers during that stretch. Durham led the charge for Notre Dame in the first half as he managed to block three shots, stop five major plays and add 11 points to the scoreboard. Despite a late push by Wake Forest, Notre Dame was able to stay in the lead and headed into the locker room with a 35-32 advantage. 

Notre Dame carried the momentum of the first half into the second with a hot 16-0 run to begin the stanza, including three 3-pointers from Prentiss Hubb and Trey Wertz. The Irish continued to put on a show with five electric dunks. The Irish put the clamps on Wake Forest defensively, too, forcing a 29.4 second-half shooting percentage from the visitors. The Irish dominated, posting a final score of 79-58.

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Durham was a key player for the Irish on both sides of the court. Durham led the Irish with 18 points on the board. His defensive skills were also on full display with four blocks, a steal and nine rebounds.

STAT OF THE GAME

Notre Dame attacked the game with a strong defensive strategy and managed to block a season high nine shots in tonight’s game. 

NOTES OF THE GAME

• Notre Dame continues to lead the all-time series against Wake Forest, improving its record against the Deacons to 7-4
• Tonight’s win means the Irish have won four of their last five games, all coming in ACC play. 
• The Irish grabbed 44 rebounds, beating their 2020-21 season record
• Hubb managed to earn his fourth career double-double tonight after scoring 10 points and assisting in another 10 plays
• Hubb’s 10 assists boost him to sixth place in Irish history for assists in a single ACC season. He is on track to beat his own personal record.  
• Durham is now ranked number fourth in Irish history for career blocked shots with 160 total
• Nikola Djogo contributed eight rebounds, setting a season-high 

UP NEXT

The Irish will be on the road this Saturday night at 8 p.m. EST to take on Georgia Tech.  Game coverage will be on ACCN.