Notre Dame basketball: 3 takeaways from the 73-65 win over NC State
By Brad Weiss
The Notre Dame basketball team continues to roll, this time beating NC State inside Purcell Pavilion thanks to a strong game from Nate Laszewski.
Though the Notre Dame basketball team struggled in the first half, as the entire lineup was cold from inside and out, a second-half run proved to be the difference Wednesday night against NC State. Winning their ninth game out of their last ten contests, the Irish are a force right now and will go into a tough two-game slate over the next few days red-hot.
With that said, here are three takeaways from the win over NC State on Wednesday night.
Notre Dame basketball: 3 takeaways from the 73-65 win over NC State
No. 1: Irish continue to roll at home
With their victory on Wednesday night against the Wolfpack, the Irish remain unbeaten inside Purcell Pavilion, sporting a record of 9-0. They have some huge wins in that stretch as well, including victories against both Kentucky and North Carolina.
Seven of their last 12 games will be played at home, including the next two, big matchups against both Virginia and Duke. A win against the Blue Devils would cement them as not only a legitimate NCAA Tournament contender but a contender for the ACC crown.
No. 2: Nate Laszewski is a perfect complement to Blake Wesley
The Irish needed someone to step up in a big way on Wednesday night, and they got that player in the person of Nate Laszewski. Relied upon as the No. 1 option last season, Laszewski has handed that role over to true freshman Blake Wesley, though Big Nate continues to be a key option on the offensive side of the floor.
What makes Laszewski so special is the fact that he is a big man, but can play beyond the three-point line as well. The combination of Wesley and Big Nate is going to prove huge come tournament time.
No. 3: The Irish should be ranked
Enough is enough. This is a Notre Dame basketball team that deserves to be ranked in the top-25, and that could happen if they beat Virginia this weekend at home. The Irish are a veteran-laden lineup that has a truly special player in Wesley leading the way offensively, but they have multiple players who can lead this team in scoring on any night.
That is the kind of experience, and depth that teams need to make a real run in the NCAA Tournament, so it is time to start giving this squad their due.
The Notre Dame basketball team will have another chance to improve their tournament resume on Saturday, as they play host to Virginia. The Irish are one of the hottest teams in the country, but Virginia is not going to be an easy task on Saturday, as they are coming off a 12-point win over Louisville their last time out.