Did Notre Dame Fighting Irish's Second Half Surge Overcome Idaho Vandals?

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish improved their record to 1-0 after a decisive victory over the Idaho Vandals, who now stand at 0-1. The game concluded with a score of 80-65 in favor of the Irish. This matchup saw both teams tied at halftime with each scoring 33 points, but it was the second half where ND truly shone.

First Half

The first half was a tightly contested affair, with both teams exchanging leads and tying five times. The Fighting Irish managed to keep pace with the Vandals thanks to their effective shooting from beyond the arc, hitting an impressive 64 percent of their three-point attempts. Jalen Haralson contributed significantly during this period, showcasing his scoring ability and keeping ND competitive.

Second Half

In the second half, ND took control of the game by outscoring Idaho by 15 points. Their defense tightened up considerably, allowing only two blocks from Idaho while securing five themselves. Carson Towt was instrumental in this defensive effort while also leading on rebounds for ND. The team's offensive strategy focused on dominating inside play as they scored an impressive 46 points in the paint.

Key Performances

Cole Certa stood out for his efficient shooting performance throughout the game, maintaining high percentages across all areas and contributing crucial points when needed most. Meanwhile, Brady Koehler's presence on defense helped limit Idaho's opportunities near their basket.

Despite some bright moments for Idaho Vandals like achieving a high free throw percentage at 90 percent and maintaining pressure through fast breaks that resulted in eight quick points, they couldn't sustain momentum against ND’s relentless attack.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Idaho Vandals final score reflected a well-rounded team effort from ND that capitalized on key moments to secure victory.

Looking ahead, fans can catch Notre Dame’s next encounter against Evansville Purple Aces scheduled for December 13th at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend at 2:00 PM EST. Tune into ACC Network for live coverage of what promises to be another exciting matchup!

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