Recap: Notre Dame runs over NC State in ACC showdown

Notre Dame outscored NC State by 18 points in the second half to win 95-72, earning their seventh win against a ranked opponent.

The Irish’s fast-break offense was special, scoring 35 points to just two points for the Wolfpack. This was the first time Notre Dame had gone over 30 fast-break points since their 103-53 victory over Binghamton University in December.

Notre Dame led 41-36 after a tough-fought first half. An Alison Konig three-point shot would tie the game at 47 apiece with 7:02 left in the third quarter. Notre Dame would go on a 12-0 run and NC State would never close within 10 points the rest of the way.

The Irish’s largest lead of the game was 29.

Arike Ogunbowale led Notre Dame with 22 points, adding 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Marina Mabrey came into the game shooting 55% from beyond the arc and continued her hot streak by making 3-of-5 of her three-point shot attempts to finish the game with 21 points.

Jessica Shepard contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds. Shepard has now scored in double figures in 11 straight games and recorded a double-double in three of the last four.

NC State made 10 three-point shots to Notre Dame’s four made three-pointers and Elissa Cunane was the game’s high scorer with 28 points. However, those were the only two areas that NC State outshined Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish just had too much for NC State, with Notre Dame looking to win their sixth straight regular season ACC championship.

With the win, Notre Dame pushes to a half-game lead over Miami and Louisville in the ACC. However, Miami has already beaten Notre Dame and Louisville. This means NC State’s season finale against Miami has a chance to decide the ACC regular-season championship.

Next up

Notre Dame and NC State will face two teams that find themselves near the bottom of the ACC: Notre Dame returns home against Duke while Wake Forest will visit NC State.