Despite an inconsistent performance during the non-conference schedule, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish have proven to be a difficult matchup in Big East play. This has proven particularly true in the opening half against No.1 Syracuse, as Notre Dame delivered an impressive offensive effort in the opening half to take a 35-23 lead over the undefeated Orange.
On the offensive end, Notred Dame delivered a complete team performance, shooting 54.5% from the field as a team. Eight different players scored in the opening half, with Alex Dragicevich leading the way with eight points on 2/4 shooting from the field. The Irish were particularly good from behind the arc, drilling 6/10 attempts.
Notre Dame contained the explosive Syracuse offense in the opening half. Syracuse shot just 8/28 from the field and looked like a completely different team without Fab Melo in the lineup. James Southerland was the leading scorer for the Orange in the opening half with eight points on 3/6 shooting.
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