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Notre Dame Women will face Clemson in ACC opener

By Jacob Fordyce

COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 01: Head coach Muffet McGraw of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on against the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs during the first quarter in the championship game of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on April 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
COLUMBUS, OH - APRIL 01: Head coach Muffet McGraw of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on against the Mississippi State Lady Bulldogs during the first quarter in the championship game of the 2018 NCAA Women's Final Four at Nationwide Arena on April 1, 2018 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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After a short Christmas break, the Fighting Irish will square off against the Clemson Lady Tigers at home, which will be their first conference game of the season.

Notre Dame and Clemson are both coming off long breaks and that may play a factor in today’s game. Clemson’s last game was on December 20th, where they defeated the Alcorn State Lady Beavers by a demanding score of 77-46. Notre Dame’s last game was the 21st, the Fighting Irish soundly defeated Guelph in an exhibition matchup by a score of 92-61.

The Fighting Irish come into today’s game on a 3 game losing streak (not counting the exhibition game against Guelph). Notre Dame will look to end their 3 game skid against a Clemson team who also finds themselves struggling.

Statistically, Notre Dame ranks much higher team than Clemson. Notre Dame ranks higher in field-goal percentage and total assists over this season. The Irish are 71st in the nation with a total field-goal percentage of 43.40 percent, while the Lady Tigers find themselves ranked 151st in the nation with a field goal-percentage of 40.40 percent. The Fighting Irish rank much higher than Clemson in total assists over this season. Notre Dame ranks 95th in the nation for total assists while Clemson ranks 205th.

Despite the Irish being a statistically better team, there is one glaring weak spot that both teams share. Both teams have turned the ball over a hefty amount of times this season and it shows in the rankings. Notre Dame is ranked 287th in the nation for total turnovers, while Clemson is ranked 346th in the nation for total turnovers. Expect a sloppy game as both teams struggle to keep possession of the ball.

Players to Watch

Notre Dame – Katlyn Gilbert and Sam Brunelle

Katlyn Gilbert is coming off a 25 point game against Guelph. Katlyn is a huge component of this offense, and her consistency is a key to success. As for Freshman standout Sam Brunelle, expect her to have a rebound game after shooting 3-12 against Guelph and only scoring 9 points.

Clemson – Amari Robinson and Kendall Spray

Despite losing, Amari and Kendall are both coming off impressive nights against NC A&T. Amari and Kendall both racked up 20+ points as well as dishing out many assists and contributing heavily on the glass.

A Chance for Notre Dame to Get Back on Track

This is a golden opportunity for Notre Dame to get a quality win under their belt. It may not be against the toughest opponent; However, it is a conference opponent and any conference win is a confidence booster.

Six Irish players selected in Mock Draft. dark. Next

What: Clemson Lady Tigers 4-8 vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 5-7

When: 4:00 pm. Sunday, December 29, 2019

Where: South Bend, Indiana – Purcell Pavillion

Watch On: ACCNX