Kansas Edges Notre Dame in Vegas Showdown

Kansas Jayhawks Outlast Fighting Irish in High-Stakes Vegas Clash

The college basketball season kicked off with a bang as the Kansas Jayhawks hosted the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Las Vegas as part of "The Players Era and Feast Week." The Jayhawks ultimately proved too strong, defeating the Fighting Irish 71-61 in a game that showcased the intensity and excitement of early-season matchups.

Played at the iconic MGM Grand Garden Arena, the game lived up to its billing as a battle between two respected programs. While Notre Dame fought valiantly throughout, Kansas's ability to capitalize in key moments ultimately made the difference.

Game Recap: A Tale of Two Halves

Notre Dame started the game with purpose, grabbing an early 9-5 lead and showing offensive balance with contributions from multiple players. However, Kansas responded with a 9-0 run that shifted momentum in their favor. The Jayhawks extended their advantage to 11 points as Notre Dame struggled from the field, shooting just 1-12 during a critical stretch.

By halftime, the Jayhawks held a 39-32 lead, having dominated the paint with 22 of their 39 points coming from inside the arc. Notre Dame's Markus Burton kept his team in contention with 10 first-half points, but the Irish couldn't overcome their shooting struggles.

The second half saw Notre Dame make several runs to cut into the Kansas lead. Back-to-back three-pointers by Braeden Shrewsberry and Certa brought the Irish within single digits, and defensive stops gave them opportunities to get even closer.

The Irish had a chance to pull within one point and seize momentum, but a missed three-pointer proved costly. Kansas then responded with consecutive baskets from Bryson Tiller to extend their lead back to eight points. Despite continued fight from Notre Dame, featuring strong performances from Burton and Jalen Haralson, the Jayhawks maintained control down the stretch.

Player Highlights

Markus Burton was the standout performer for Notre Dame, scoring a game-high 24 points on 9-18 shooting. Burton was perfect from the free-throw line, making all six of his attempts. His ability to attack the rim provided consistent offense for the Irish throughout the contest.

Jalen Haralson added 13 points and five rebounds for Notre Dame, while Carson Towt led all players with 10 rebounds. Towt has now recorded double-digit rebounds in every game this season, averaging an impressive 12.2 boards per game.

For Kansas, Flory Bidunga was dominant in the paint, scoring 14 points on 6-9 shooting. Bryson Tiller also played a crucial role in the second half, scoring key baskets to extend the Jayhawks' lead when Notre Dame threatened to make a game of it.

Turning Points and Key Statistics

Several factors contributed to Kansas's victory:

• Three-point shooting: Notre Dame struggled significantly from beyond the arc, connecting on just 4-24 attempts (16.7%).
• Paint dominance: Kansas outscored Notre Dame 39-28 in the paint, establishing their physical presence early.
• Second-half execution: The Jayhawks responded effectively to Notre Dame's runs, preventing the Irish from gaining sustained momentum.

Notre Dame's inability to convert from three-point range proved particularly damaging. Even with strong performances from Burton and Towt, the Irish couldn't overcome their shooting woes from long distance.

What's Next

For Notre Dame (4-2), the focus shifts quickly to their next matchup against Rutgers on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on TNT as part of the ongoing "Players Era" festivities in Las Vegas.

Kansas (4-2) will look to build on their momentum as they continue their non-conference schedule before transitioning into Big 12 play.

While the loss is disappointing for Notre Dame, there were positive signs that coach Mike Brey can build upon. The Fighting Irish showed resilience and have several players capable of contributing offensively. As the season progresses, improved three-point shooting could make this a dangerous team in the ACC.

For Kansas, the victory reinforces their status as one of the premier programs in college basketball. Their balanced attack and defensive presence give them the tools to make another deep run in March.

The Bigger Picture

Games like this showcase why the early season is so compelling. Neutral-site matchups between high-profile programs provide valuable experience and help teams identify areas for improvement before conference play begins.

Notre Dame's performance, despite the loss, suggests they have the talent to compete at a high level. The challenge will be finding consistency, particularly from three-point territory. As the season progresses, look for the Fighting Irish to adjust and improve in this area.

For Kansas, the victory is another addition to their storied program history. With experienced players and a strong coaching staff, the Jayhawks are once again positioned as a team to watch as the season unfolds.