Recap
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Did Notre Dame's Bench Outshine Miami in the Second Half?

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Purcell Pavilion, resulting in a 81-69 victory for the 'Canes. This game marked a setback for ND, bringing their record to 0-1, while Miami improved to 1-0. The first half saw both teams locked at 39 points each, but it was the second half where Miami pulled ahead.


Jan 13, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Logan Imes (2) drives to the basket as Miami (FL) Hurricanes forward Malik Reneau (5) defends during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

First Half


The opening half was a tightly contested affair with both teams exchanging leads multiple times. The Irish showcased their depth early on with significant contributions from their bench players. Brady Koehler and Carson Towt were instrumental in keeping ND competitive, combining for crucial rebounds and points that kept them neck-and-neck with the 'Canes.


Second Half


As the second half unfolded, Miami's defense intensified, leading to increased turnovers by ND. Despite this pressure, Jalen Haralson emerged as a key player for the Irish with his scoring ability and defensive presence. However, it was not enough to counteract Miami's offensive surge led by Tre Donaldson.


Jan 13, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cole Certa (5) drives to the basket as Miami (FL) Hurricanes guard Tru Washington (10) defends during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Final Whistle


In what became a pivotal moment of the game during this period was when ND managed an impressive run of unanswered points that briefly put them ahead. Yet, as time wound down, Miami capitalized on fast break opportunities and efficient shooting from beyond the arc to seal their win.


The Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Miami (FL) Hurricanes final score reflected an intense battle where strategic plays defined outcomes more than individual brilliance alone could have achieved.


Jan 13, 2026; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Miami (FL) Hurricanes guard Tru Washington (10) shoots against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. Mandatory Credit: Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

Looking forward to their next challenge against Virginia Tech Hokies on January 17th at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg; fans can catch all action live on ACC Network starting at noon Eastern Time.


For those who missed out or want more insights into this matchup’s dynamics – share your thoughts or read our post-game analysis!

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