Irish Cruise By Crusaders 72-43 In Opening Exhibition

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The Irish got the 2019 season underway on Tuesday evening inside Purcell Pavilion, defeating Capital by a final score of 72-43 in the team’s first exhibition of the season.

 

The Irish displayed a balanced attack on the offensive end of the floor, as four players finished in double figures in the scoring column. The two starting big men each scored 12 points to lead the team while Nikola Djogo and Dane Goodwin chipped in 10 points apiece off the bench.

 

HOW IT HAPPENED

Notre Dame built a 10-point lead over the first 20 minutes of the game, taking a 35-25 lead into the halftime break. The score was tied at 16-16 with just under 10 minutes left before the Irish controlled the final nine minutes of the half. Goodwin paced the Irish offense in the first half, scoring nine points on 4-of-6 shooting.

 

The Irish wasted no time in pushing their lead to over 20 points in the second stanza, as they outscored the visitors 14-2 over the first eight minutes to go on top by a score of 49-27. Notre Dame coasted the rest of the way and won by a final score of 72-43.

 

PLAYER OF THE GAME

Mooney picked up right where he left off from the 2018-19 season, posting a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. The senior also added three assists and two steals to round out his impressive performance.

 

NOTRE DAME STAT OF THE GAME

The Irish showed their depth off in Tuesday’s exhibition, as seven players scored at least eight points on the evening.

 

NOTES OF THE GAME

  • With the win, the Irish are 39-0 in exhibitions under Brey.
  • Notre Dame held Capital to 27 percent shooting from the field (16-of-60).
  • The Irish dominated the paint, outscoring the Crusaders 44-12 underneath.
  • Sophomore Prentiss Hubb paced the Irish in assists with six.
  • Durham patrolled the paint with a game-high four blocks on the evening.

 

UP NEXT

Notre Dame plays one more exhibition before opening the 2019-20 regular season, as it hosts Bellarmine at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 1 in Purcell Pavilion. The game will air live on ACC Network Extra via the WatchESPN app.

 

To purchase tickets visit UND.com/BuyTickets.