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The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team represents the University of Notre Dame in Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. The team has had a rich history in intercollegiate men's basketball, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference of NCAA Division I. Notably, in 1974, Notre Dame ended UCLA's record-breaking 88-game winning streak, which had begun after their 1971 loss to Notre Dame. More recently, in the ACC Tournament, North Carolina defeated Notre Dame 76-56, showcasing the competitive nature of collegiate basketball.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team |
| University | University of Notre Dame |
| Location | Notre Dame, Indiana, United States |
| Conference | Atlantic Coast Conference of NCAA Division I |
| Notable Players | Adrian Dantley, John Shumate, Gary Brokaw, Jae'Lyn Withers, Ven-Allen Lubin |
| Notable Games | Ended UCLA's 88-game winning streak in 1974; Lost to North Carolina 76-56 in the 2025 ACC Tournament |
| Seasons | Winning seasons: 44; undefeated seasons: 5 (1973, 1985, 2006, 2007, 2010); losing seasons: 4 (1971, 1981, 1992, 1995) |
| Rankings | Ranked 12th in college basketball all-time rankings by Jeff Sagarin and ESPN |
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What You'll Learn
- UCLA's 88-game winning streak was ended by Notre Dame in 1974
- North Carolina beat Notre Dame 76-56 in the ACC Tournament
- Notre Dame beat Pittsburgh 55-54 in the first round of a tournament
- Notre Dame's John Shumate and Gary Brokaw starred in the 1974 win
- Notre Dame's 1974 win was their first NCAA basketball victory
UCLA's 88-game winning streak was ended by Notre Dame in 1974
UCLA's 88-game winning streak was brought to an end by the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball team on January 19, 1974, with a final score of 71-70. This was a historic moment in college basketball, as UCLA had not lost a game in 1,092 days, winning 72 of the 88 games by double digits, with an average margin of victory of 23.5 points per game. The Bruins were the number-one-ranked team in the nation and had won the previous seven NCAA championships.
The game was a back-and-forth affair, with UCLA taking an early lead, but Notre Dame fought back, and the game was close throughout. The Irish started slowly but aggressively, and despite UCLA's dominance, they were able to keep the game within reach. The turning point came when UCLA's star player, Bill Walton, suffered a bloody nose from an elbow by Irish freshman Adrian Dantley. Walton still performed well, making six of his seven shots and helping UCLA to a 19-27 first-half shooting performance.
However, Notre Dame made a strong comeback in the second half, cutting the deficit and eventually taking the lead. The game came down to the wire, with both teams trading baskets and crucial plays. With the score at 70-69 in favour of UCLA, Irish guard Gary Brokaw made some clutch baskets and a steal by freshman sensation Dantley, which led to an offensive foul on UCLA's Keith Wilkes. This set the stage for Pittsburgh native Dwight Clay, who hit the game-winning shot from the corner, sealing the victory for Notre Dame and ending UCLA's impressive winning streak.
The victory was a significant upset, as Notre Dame was ranked second behind UCLA in the polls. It was also a notable achievement for 32-year-old Irish head coach Digger Phelps, who had a strong belief in scheduling the best teams to become the best. This win by the Fighting Irish remains one of the most memorable moments in college basketball history, showcasing the determination and talent of the Notre Dame team.
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North Carolina beat Notre Dame 76-56 in the ACC Tournament
The University of North Carolina men's basketball team dominated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the second round of the ACC Tournament, winning 76-56. The Tar Heels' victory was largely due to the outstanding performance of Jae'Lyn Withers, who scored 21 points, all from 3-pointers, and set a new UNC record for the most three-pointers in an ACC Tournament game with seven. Withers' impressive shooting, combined with nine rebounds, earned him a career-high performance and ensured a challenging game for the Fighting Irish.
Another standout player for North Carolina was Ven-Allen Lubin, who achieved his second double-double as a Tar Heel, scoring 17 points and securing 10 rebounds. Lubin's performance included a fast-break dunk, showcasing his contribution to the team's success. The Tar Heels' strong defence also played a crucial role in their victory, limiting the Fighting Irish to only 32.3% shooting in the game and preventing them from reducing their deficit.
The game, held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, marked the fifth consecutive win for the Tar Heels over the Fighting Irish. With this victory, the Tar Heels advanced to the ACC quarterfinals, improving their record to 21-12. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish concluded a disappointing season, falling to 15-18.
The North Carolina team's relative rest and strategic play contributed to their success, as the Fighting Irish were fatigued from their previous game and a four-overtime marathon over the weekend. The Tar Heels took advantage of this, with Drake Powell marking Markus Burton, creating early difficulties for the Irish. The Fighting Irish struggled to recover, and despite a three-pointer by J.R. Konieczny and a strong performance by Burton, they were unable to close the gap.
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Notre Dame beat Pittsburgh 55-54 in the first round of a tournament
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team is the intercollegiate men's basketball programme representing the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, United States. The team has a rich history, including 44 winning seasons at the Purcell Pavilion, 5 undefeated seasons at home, and 3 Consensus All-American selections.
On March 11, 2025, the Fighting Irish beat the Pittsburgh Panthers 55-54 in the first round of the ACC Tournament. It was a closely fought, back-and-forth game that came down to the final possession. With only 34 seconds left, Pittsburgh had a chance to hold for one last shot, but a mistake by Lowe gave Notre Dame the opportunity to win with one final possession.
The game was decided by a controversial foul call with 0.5 seconds left, resulting in Tae Davis hitting one of two free throws to give Notre Dame the victory. Nikita Konstantynovskyi also played a crucial role, scoring with a tip-in in the final minute and finishing with 10 points and 9 rebounds. Other notable performances included Julian Roper II, who scored 8 points, and Markus Burton, who made key plays down the stretch.
This win was significant for the Fighting Irish, as it came after a disappointing regular season and a strong finish against a team they had previously beaten. It also presented an opportunity for them to advance further in the tournament, with a vulnerable North Carolina team as a potential second-round matchup.
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Notre Dame's John Shumate and Gary Brokaw starred in the 1974 win
On January 19, 1974, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team ended UCLA's 88-game winning streak, the longest in college basketball history. This was bookended by a loss to Notre Dame in 1971, marking the start of UCLA's streak.
Notre Dame's stars that day were John Shumate and Gary Brokaw. The duo combined for 21 shots out of 38 attempts and scored 49 points. Shumate, a 6-foot-9 forward/center, also led all players with 11 rebounds. Coach Digger Phelps adjusted the press late in the game, moving Shumate to the front and Brokaw deep, which helped the Irish get the steals they needed.
Shumate, who played for Notre Dame from 1971 to 1974, was a two-time team captain and a two-time All-American. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in sociology and was drafted by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 1974 NBA Draft. However, his career was plagued by recurring issues with blood clots, and he only played five seasons in the NBA.
Gary Brokaw, on the other hand, played for Notre Dame from 1971 to 1975 and was a key contributor to the team's success during that period. He went on to have a successful career in the NBA, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Buffalo Braves.
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Notre Dame's 1974 win was their first NCAA basketball victory
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team has a rich history in the sport, with several notable achievements. One of their most memorable victories came on January 19, 1974, when they defeated the UCLA Bruins, coached by the legendary John Wooden, by a score of 71-70. This win holds a special place in the team's history as it ended UCLA's remarkable 88-game winning streak, a record in NCAA Division I men's basketball that still stands today.
The 1974 victory holds significance for several reasons. Firstly, it showcased the talent and determination of the Notre Dame squad, who were able to overcome a formidable opponent led by coach John Wooden, a figure synonymous with success in college basketball. Secondly, it highlighted the competitive spirit and resilience of the Fighting Irish, who had also been the ones to hand UCLA their previous loss back in 1971, bookending the Bruins' historic streak.
The 1974 game was a thrilling contest. UCLA, led by star player Bill Walton, held a 43-34 lead at halftime. However, Notre Dame mounted a remarkable comeback, with John Shumate and Gary Brokaw leading the charge. The duo's combined shooting performance of 21 for 38, resulting in 49 points, was instrumental in the victory. Coach Digger Phelps' strategic adjustments also played a crucial role, particularly his decision to move Shumate to the front and Brokaw deep, which resulted in much-needed steals for the Irish.
The impact of this victory extended beyond the basketball court. For the first time in college sports history, the same school, Notre Dame, ranked number one in both football and basketball. This dual success further emphasized the Fighting Irish's athletic prowess and the strength of their sports programs. The 1974 win also served as a catalyst for future achievements, with Notre Dame going on to have multiple undefeated seasons at their home court, the Purcell Pavilion, and consistently ranking among the top college basketball programs in the country.
In summary, Notre Dame's 1974 victory over UCLA holds a significant place in the history of the Fighting Irish men's basketball program. It not only showcased the team's talent and determination but also marked a turning point, inspiring future successes and cementing their reputation as a force to be reckoned with in college basketball. This win, their first NCAA basketball victory, set the tone for the Fighting Irish to become a perennial contender in the sport.
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Frequently asked questions
North Carolina beat Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team in 2024 with a score of 76-56.
In 1974, Notre Dame men's basketball ended UCLA's 88-game winning streak.
Some key players in the Notre Dame Fighting Irish Men's Basketball team are John Shumate, Gary Brokaw, Jae'Lyn Withers, Ven-Allen Lubin, Nikita Konstantynovskyi, and Tae Davis.
