Irish Upset No. 9 Duke 95-91

After facing constant comparisons to last season’s 32-6 overall Notre Dame squad, this year’s team can claim at least one feat that squad couldn’t.

Defeat Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

In an incredible game and high-scoring affair, the Irish (12-5, 3-2 ACC) emerged with a huge 95-91 win over the No. 9 Blue Devils (14-4, 3-2 ACC) on Saturday afternoon.

Duke jumped out to an 11-4 lead at the first media timeout after hitting four of its first six field goal attempts, including two from behind the arc. The Irish didn’t wilt after the Blue Devils’ hot start, though, responding with a 16-9 run via multiple scores from junior guard Steve Vasturia, junior guard Demetrius Jackson and sophomore forward Bonzie Colson, pulling within one at 21-20 with 12:11 left in the first half.

The Blue Devils were carried early by sophomore guard Grayson Allen and freshman forward Brandon Ingram, who combined for 20 of Duke’s first 27 points through the midway point of the first half.

Notre Dame exchanged blows with the Blue Devils, but couldn’t capture the lead until a Jackson layup gave the Irish a 35-34 advantage with less than five minutes left in the half. Duke quickly responded with a 9-0 run to go back ahead 43-35 before leading 50-45 at halftime.

Freshman guard Rex Pflueger played a notable eight minutes in the first half as a substitution off the bench, scoring four points and playing some quality defense. Jackson led the Irish in the early going in scoring, dropping 14 points on 7-of-9 shooting at the half.

The Irish opened the second half on a quick 4-0 start via buckets from Colson and senior forward Zach Auguste, pulling within 50-49 and forcing Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski to call a timeout. The Irish retook a lead at 52-51 on a score and free throw from Colson.

Colson continued to take over for the Irish early in the second period, scoring 26 points before the second media timeout of the final half, including two three-point makes. His second trey gave the Irish a 69-64 lead with 11:48 to play.

Both teams continued scoring at a high rate, trading buckets to both reach 70-plus points with 10 minutes still remaining in the game. At the third media timeout, Notre Dame still led 78-75.

A three by Vasturia extended the Notre Dame lead to 81-75 with 7:11 to play, giving the junior a then new career high of 22 points.

The Irish maintained their lead at 86-80 with 3:10 to play, but two free throws from Luke Kennard and a corner three by Allen narrowed Notre Dame’s lead to 86-85 with less than two minutes to play.

Duke retook the lead at 87-86 on an Allen bucket, but a Jackson jumper in the paint ended the Blue Devils’ 7-0 run, and Notre Dame recaptured the lead at 88-87 with one minute to go.

Auguste fouled Allen on the next possession, and the sophomore hit both free throws, giving Duke an 89-88 lead. Colson answered with a bucket and was fouled, making the free throw to give Notre Dame a 91-89 lead with less than 40 seconds to play.

Notre Dame iced the game on free throw makes from Jackson and Auguste, eventually ending with the 95-91 final.

The Irish return home to host Virginia Tech Jan. 20. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET.

Box Score: LINK.

Game Notes:

• The Irish win was the first in school history against Duke at Cameron Indoor Stadium, ending an 0-7 all-time record.

• Duke fell to 21-6 all time against the Irish.

• Mike Brey improved to 4-2 versus Duke in his career at Notre Dame.