Evansville Gears Up for Saturday’s In-State Showdown
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish men’s basketball team is set to face the Evansville Aces on Saturday, December 13, as they aim to extend their winning streak to four games. Currently, the Irish boast an impressive 6-0 record at their home venue, Purcell Pavilion. This matchup will commence at 2 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on ACCN.
Notre Dame’s Home Dominance
The Irish have historically performed well against the Aces, leading the all-time series 6-4. Notre Dame maintains an undefeated streak of 5-0 at home against Evansville. The last encounter took place in 2012, where the Irish secured a 58-49 victory.
Recent Performance
- Notre Dame comes into this game after defeating the Idaho Vandals 80-65, showcasing their offensive prowess.
- In the second half of that game, the Irish shot 61.3%, outscoring Idaho 47-32.
- Four players scored in double digits: Jalen Haralson (20 points), Carson Towt (19 points), Cole Certa (15 points), and Braeden Shrewsberry (14 points).
Player Highlights
Carson Towt has emerged as a key contributor, recently registering his third double-double of the season. He achieved season highs with 19 points and 15 rebounds against Idaho, shooting 75% from the field over his last two games.
Roster Update
In a recent development, head coach Micah Shrewsberry announced the addition of Mark Zackery IV to the roster. The freshman comes from a successful football season and is regarded as a valuable player, known for his skills in ball handling and defense.
Future Challenges
Following the game against Evansville, the Irish will continue a stretch of home games before entering the Christmas break, gearing up for upcoming ACC play. They are looking for a 7-0 start at home, which hasn’t happened since the 2022-23 season.
Consistent Contributors
- Jalen Haralson has been a vital asset, scoring in double figures for nine consecutive games.
- Cole Certa has exhibited clutch shooting, with significant contributions in key matchups.
- Markus Burton, although sidelined due to an ankle injury, had been averaging 18.5 points per game prior to his surgery.
As the Fighting Irish prepare for Evansville, they aim to solidify their position as one of the formidable teams in NCAA basketball, showcasing their talent and teamwork at Purcell Pavilion.
