Notre Dame and Michigan State faced off as part of the ACC/Big Ten challenge. This game was played in South Bend, Indiana.These two schools who are remembered for the huge football rivalry played a fantastic game. This game went into overtime and the Irish defeated the Spartans. Both coaches have had great careers at their respective universities. Mike Brey for Notre Dame and Tom Izzo for the Spartans. This game ended up being one of the premiere matchups in this tournament. It was fun game for both teams for sure. In the end, 19th ranked Michigan State would get knocked off by Notre Dame.
With two minutes remaining in the first half the Irish led 35 to 31. Pat Connaughton had already racked up nine points with three three pointers. Austin Torres a rookie was getting significant playing time for Notre Dame. At the half the score was 37 Notre Dame to 35 Michigan State. In the second half things seemed to unravel for the Spartans. At about the nine minute mark Michigan State led 54 to 51. A big basket by Demetrius Jackson helped Notre Dame make a comeback. With four minutes left in the half, Jerian Grant made key costless throws to continue the Irish lead. Grant had a career high 27 points. Jerian Grant's three pointer with 1:15 to go sent this game into overtime. It tied the game at 67 a piece. Austin Torres lead Notre Dame in points in overtime giving Notre Dame the win.
As for Michigan State, junior guard Denzel Valentine scored 22 points, including two late threes in regulation to force overtime. Bryn Forbes had 18 points. Tom Izzo wasn't happy with the end result.
"We didn't make plays down the stretch," Izzo said. "And that falls on the coach and the guards. Am I disappointed? Yes. Do I feel like the roof is caving in? Not even close."