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Notre Dame basketball: 3 takeaways from the 69-57 win over NC State

By Brad Weiss

RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 9: Prentiss Hubb #3 of the University of Notre Dame is chased by Devin Daniels #24 of North Carolina State University during a game between Notre Dame and NC State at PNC Arena on January 9, 2020 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
RALEIGH, NC - JANUARY 9: Prentiss Hubb #3 of the University of Notre Dame is chased by Devin Daniels #24 of North Carolina State University during a game between Notre Dame and NC State at PNC Arena on January 9, 2020 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Andy Mead/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /
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The Notre Dame basketball team continued to roll on Saturday, beating the NC State Wolfpack easily, 69-57 inside the PNC Arena.

And just like that, the Notre Dame basketball team has the best conference record in the ACC, this after beating the NC State Wolfpack handily on Saturday afternoon. After losing to the Duke Blue Devils on Monday, the Irish have bounced back in a big way, and have now beaten Miami (FL) and NC State in a span of four days.

This was a collective effort by the Irish, who saw five players score in double figures, including Trey Wertz, who came off the bench and played big minutes. The Irish certainly look like an NCAA Tournament team and continue to stack resume-building wins.

Notre Dame basketball: 3 takeaways from the 69-57 win over NC State

No. 1: No Laz, No problem

The big fella was injured early on this one, as he banged his knee and was forced to miss the rest of the game. Wertz stepped up and scored 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including two three-pointers. After the game, Nate Laszewski said it was a bruise and he would likely be back in time for the team’s Wednesday matchup against Louisville.

No. 2: Wesley regains his touch

Star true freshman Blake Wesley had been struggling from the field in recent weeks, but he was finding other ways to contribute, including two seven-assist games in the last three. On Saturday, he regained his shooting touch, going 7-of-13 from the field, while also dishing out four assists.

No. 3: Irish defense strong early on

The Irish got out to a fast start against NC State, as their defense held them to 2-of-22 shooting to start the contest, a slump that led to a 17-point lead for Notre Dame. The Wolfpack would come back and close the gap before the half, pulling to within five, but it was clear that the Irish were the better team in this one, as they cruised to a 12-point victory.

The Irish are peaking at the right time, and with five of their eight remaining games at home this season, they should close with at least 20 wins in 2021-22. Notre Dame basketball is back, and when all is said and done, we should be seeing them playing in March.