Wake Forest Hosts Notre Dame in Crucial ACC Clash

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Wake Forest University faces off against Notre Dame today at LJVM Coliseum at 5:15 PM as the Demon Deacons look to regain momentum in the Atlantic Coast Conference. After a struggle, with three losses in their last four games, Wake aims to secure a victory that could bolster its chances in the forthcoming ACC Tournament.

The Demon Deacons enter the matchup with a spread of -9.5 and an over/under of 141.5, according to betting lines. Currently ranked 74th by KenPom and 71st by the NCAA’s NET ratings, Wake needs a strong performance to solidify its position in the conference playoffs, primarily targeting a fourth-place finish which would grant them a double bye in the tournament.

“We need to play consistently and with intensity,” said Wake head coach Steve Forbes. “This game is crucial for our confidence as we try to bounce back and convert a rough patch into an opportunity.”

To achieve this, the Deacs must focus on shutting down Notre Dame’s Markus Burton, who leads the ACC in scoring at 20.8 points per game. Additionally, the Fighting Irish are a formidable 3-point shooting team, with four players making over 43% of their attempts from beyond the arc, a statistic that highlights the importance of Wake’s perimeter defense.

Wake Forest’s previous encounter with Notre Dame ended in a 72-59 victory for the Deacs back in 2024, but both teams stand at a historic tie of 9-9 in their all-time series. The ESPN Matchup Predictor gives Wake a 72% chance of coming out on top this afternoon, a statistic that the players will likely keep in mind as they hit the court.

“We are focused and ready to execute our game plan,” said senior guard Tyree Appleby. “This is an important game for us, and we want to show that we can beat a top team in the conference.”

As Wake prepares for the challenge, supporters can follow the live updates through multiple platforms, including CW broadcasting, streaming options, and the Demon Deacons’ official apps. With an audience of up to 12,799 fans expected at the venue, the atmosphere promises to be electric as the Deacs aim to reclaim their footing in the race for better tournament placement.