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Notre Dame Women’s Basketball: Top Three Home Games in 2018-19

By Jordan Small

COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Marina Mabrey #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates her teams lead late in the game against the Connecticut Huskies during the second half in the semifinals of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on March 30, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Connecticut Huskies 91-89. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - MARCH 30: Marina Mabrey #3 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates her teams lead late in the game against the Connecticut Huskies during the second half in the semifinals of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on March 30, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the Connecticut Huskies 91-89. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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The season is fast approaching for the Notre Dame Women’s Basketball. Let’s take a look at some of the top home games the Irish will play in 2018-19.

Every year, the Irish have a strong list of opponents both in conference and out of conference. Now as defending champs, they set out with a target on their back. When it comes to playing at home, the Irish are nearly unbeatable. The last time they lost at home was Dec. 7, 2016 against the University of Connecticut. So let’s break down the top three home games for Notre Dame in 2018-19.

1) Dec. 2 vs. University of Connecticut

The UConn-Notre Dame rivalry had started to slip away from the Irish in recent years as it seemed that the Huskies just had their number. It had been since the Big East Final in March of 2013, when Natalie Achonwa hit a layup with 1.8 seconds remaining, that the Irish had beaten Geno Auriemma and his powerhouse Huskies. Fast forward to the NCAA Final Four in March of 2018 and it would be a last second basket, this time by Arike Ogunbowale, that would bring the Irish back to the top of the rivalry.

2) Jan. 10 vs. Louisville

In January of 2018, the Irish were humiliated on the road at Louisville. Just two weeks after losing their starting point guard in Lili Thompson, the Irish were outscored 100-67, shooting just 44.3 percent from the field in the game. Notre Dame rebounded well and went on to win out the regular season. When it came time for the ACC Tournament, the Cardinals and Irish faced off in the finals. This time the game was a lot closer, but the Irish would ultimately fall once again, this time 74-72.

3) Feb. 21 vs. Duke

The Irish host the Duke Blue Devils in the second to last regular season home game of the year. The last home game before senior night is always an interesting game because the emotions start to build. Notre Dame’s opponent in Duke also provides a true test in the ACC. The Blue Devils will be the second highest ranked ACC team, after Louisville, to visit South Bend this season. Last season, the Irish beat Duke 72-54 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Notre Dame used a strong fourth quarter to really pull away from the Blue Devils.

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All three of these games will prevent different challenges for the Irish. If this team can stay healthy, it is very possible that the Irish walk away with wins in these three matchups.