Notre Dame Basketball: Irish Fall to Michigan State 81-63

The Notre Dame basketball team fell to Michigan State after a second-half comeback 81-69 in East Lansing.

Notre Dame found themselves in a hole early in this one. Michigan State’s athleticism and speed proved to be a problem. Miles Bridges through down a huge alley-oop to help push out to a 14-8 lead. The Spartans controlled the boards early, outrebounding Notre Dame 9-1 just six minutes into the game.

The unimaginable shooting from Michigan State continued knocking down 12 of their first 17 shots. Notre Dame would be down by 18 midway through the first half.

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A couple of threes from TJ Gibbs and a dunk from Martinis Geben couldn’t even give the Irish the momentum they needed. Michigan State’s defense and transition offense killed every chance.

The Spartans totally dominated to a 46-26 at the half lead. They controlled almost every statistic.

While the last few minutes in the first half dropped MSU’s shooting percentage, they still went into the locker room shooting 51%. The Spartans also sat with a huge 13-rebound advantage, which led to 13 second-chance points.

Seniors Matt Farrell and Bonzie Colson struggled offensively in the first half. Colson only scored six points. Farrell was held scoreless.

The start of the second half showed potential. Getting out and running Farrell hit a step-back three to pull the Irish within 10 with 16:35 left to play.

The slow start of Colson and Farrell in the first half was not the case in the second. Colson posted 11 and Farrell 10 in the second.

Unable to capitalize on the run, Michigan State’s lead remained around double-digits. Shooting struggles started to revive as Notre Dame went on a streak of missing seven shots in a row.

The Spartans transition offense also started to make a comeback to extend their lead back to 15 with six minutes left.

At one point, pulling this game within just seven points, Notre Dame couldn’t stop the effort of Michigan State.

Who’s up next?

Notre Dame suffered their first loss of the season 81-63. The Irish will be back at Purcell Sunday to take on Francis Brooklyn, tip set for 2:00 PM ET.