EAST LANSING, Mich. – Notre Dame opened the 2020-21 season with a tough test on the road at No. 13 Michigan State in the Breslin Center. The Spartans were too much for the Irish on Saturday evening, winning by a final score of 80-70.
Four Irish players finished in double figures in the points column, led by Prentiss Hubb, who led the way with 23. Cormac Ryan added 13 points, while Dane Goodwin and Nate Laszewski each chipped in 12.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Irish and Spartans traded blows in the opening minutes of action. Trailing 20-18, Notre Dame scored eight of the next 10 points over a three-minute stretch to go on top 26-22 with seven minutes left in the half. However, the Irish offense went quiet, as Michigan State scored the final 17 points of the first half to take a 39-26 lead into the halftime break.
The hosts carried its momentum into the second stanza, extending their lead to as many as 28 points at 62-34 with just under 13 minutes left in the game. Notre Dame managed to chip away at the lead down the stretch, as Michigan State went on to win by a final score of 80-70.
NOTES OF THE GAME
- Saturday night’s season opener marked the latest start date to the season in 27 years, as the Irish began the 1993-94 season on Nov. 28.
- Hubb recorded his ninth game of 20 or more points in his career, finishing with 23 against the Spartans.
- Ryan earned a start in his Notre Dame debut after sitting out the 2019-20 season due to NCAA transfer guidelines.
- Freshmen Matt Zona and Tony Sanders Jr. also made their Irish debuts off the bench.
UP NEXT
The Fighting Irish host Western Michigan at Purcell Pavilion for their home opener of the 2020-21 season at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 2. The game will be broadcast on Regional Sport Networks and will air on Marquee Sports Network in the South Bend area.