Duke’s Strong Start Propels them to Victory Against Notre Dame

No. 9 Duke men’s basketball team put on a dominant performance in the first half against Notre Dame, ultimately leading them to a victory. The Blue Devils started the game with a 17-0 run, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

Duke’s backcourt players, including Jeremy Roach and Caleb Foster, displayed their skills early on, contributing to the team’s strong start. Freshman guard Jared McCain also made significant contributions, providing key points to boost Duke’s lead. Mark Mitchell and Ryan Young were instrumental on defense, denying several attempts from the Fighting Irish.

Notre Dame struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, shooting just 31.0% from the field and committing several turnovers. Duke’s intense defense, including steals from Roach and Foster, forced the Fighting Irish into difficult positions and disrupted their offensive flow.

Although Duke had a cold shooting performance from beyond the arc, going 3-of-11, their efficient scoring inside the paint compensated for it. They converted 10-of-19 two-point shots, maintaining a comfortable lead throughout the first half.

Caleb Foster emerged as the leading scorer for Duke in the first period, tallying nine points. His contributions were significant as he had previously struggled to find his form in recent games. Foster’s stellar play in the first half gave Duke the momentum they needed to carry them forward.

Duke’s victory against Notre Dame marks a return to winning form for the Blue Devils, who had faced some challenging matchups in their previous home games. The team will look to build on this performance and continue their winning streak.