SYRACUSE, N.Y. – John Mooney, Prentiss Hubb and T.J. Gibbs each put up at least 20 points to help lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish over the Syracuse Orange 88-87 on the road Saturday.
Notre Dame’s overall record moved to 10-4 and conference record improved to 1-2 following the victory.
Mooney had a double-double with 28 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Fighting Irish. Hubb added 22 points and nine assists and Gibbs helped out with 21 points.
HOW IT HAPPENED
After falling behind 6-5, Notre Dame went on an 8-0 run with 17:10 left in the first half to take a 13-6 lead. The Fighting Irish then surrendered that lead and entered halftime down 40-37.
After intermission, Notre Dame kept the Orange from increasing their lead before going on an 11-0 run, finished off by Hubb’s three, to seize a 64-56 lead with 10:13 to go in the contest. The Orange narrowed the margin somewhat before the game was over, but the Fighting Irish still held on for the 88-87 win. Notre Dame shot well from three-point range in the half, hitting eight shots from deep to score 24 of its 51 points.
PLAYER OF THE GAME
Mooney turned in one of the best performances of his career in the win over Syracuse, matching his career high in points with 28 while pulling down a game-high 14 rebounds. The forward finished 11-of-21 from the field and added two assists and a steal.
STAT OF THE GAME
Notre Dame punished the Orange for their mistakes, outscoring the hosts 21-9 in points off turnovers on the day.
NOTES
- The Irish have won consecutive games at the Carrier Dome for the first time since the 1990 and 1992 seasons.
- Notre Dame knocked down 10 or more shots from beyond the arc for the sixth time this season, finishing 15-of-31 against the Orange.
- Notre Dame recorded just nine turnovers on Sunday. The Irish have had less than 10 turnovers in seven games this season.
- For the first time in nearly three seasons the Irish had three players score 20 or more points in the same game, as Mooney (28), Hubb (22) and Gibbs (21) had big games. The last time the Irish accomplished the feat came against Wake Forest on Feb. 24, 2018.
- Mooney recorded his 11th double-double in just 13 games that he has played in this season, posting 28 points and 14 rebounds. The senior has now recorded a double-double in eight straight games.
- Gibbs scored 10 or more points for the 11th time this season and 67th time in his career.
- Hubb finished in double figures in the scoring column for the seventh time this season and 18th time in his career.
- With three blocks, Durham became just the ninth player to reach the 100-block milestone in program history. The center now has 102 career blocks.
UP NEXT
The Fighting Irish remain on the road as they travel to North Carolina State to take on the Wolfpack at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The game will air on ESPN2 and will also be available to stream via the WatchESPN app (subscription required).