Notre Dame Stuns NC State in Overtime Thriller, 96-90

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Cole Certa scored a game-high 32 points, including 12 in overtime, to lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish to a stunning 96-90 victory over the NC State Wolfpack on Saturday afternoon at Purcell Pavilion. The win boosts Notre Dame’s hopes of reaching the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament.

Certa Shines in Overtime

After never leading in regulation, Notre Dame seized control in overtime, sparked by Certa’s clutch shooting. He drained three 3-pointers in the extra period, helping the Fighting Irish build a 93-88 lead with 1 1/2 minutes remaining. Certa finished the game shooting 9 of 17 from the field, including 6 of 10 from beyond the arc.

Key Performances

Jalen Haralson added 25 points for Notre Dame, including crucial free throws that tied the game at 81 late in regulation, forcing overtime. Braeden Shrewsberry contributed 16 points, and Sir Mohammed scored all 10 of his points in the first half.

For NC State, Ven-Allen Lubin had a season-high 24 points and 10 rebounds. Quadir Copeland and Darrion Williams each scored 17 points, while Paul McNeil Jr. Added 11.

Game Recap

NC State jumped out to an early 11-2 lead and maintained control throughout the first half, leading 44-38 at the break. However, Notre Dame battled back in the second half, erasing a nine-point deficit in the final minutes of regulation. Haralson scored six points during that run, tying the game with 19 seconds left.

In overtime, Certa took over, leading Notre Dame to a hard-fought victory. NC State struggled from the 3-point line in the extra period, going 1 for 8 from deep.

Team Statistics

Notre Dame dominated the boards, finishing with a 40-32 rebounding advantage. The Fighting Irish also had a significant edge in bench points (38-15) and fast break points (16-2). Notre Dame shot 52.5% from the field and 48% from the 3-point line (12 of 25).

Looking Ahead

NC State (19-10, 10-6 ACC) will wrap up the regular season with home games against No. 1 Duke on Monday and Stanford on Saturday. The loss drops the Wolfpack from a tie for fourth place to seventh in the ACC standings, impacting their chances for a bye into the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament.

Notre Dame (13-16, 4-12 ACC) will host Stanford on Wednesday and play at Boston College on Saturday. The Fighting Irish evened the overall series with NC State at 11 wins apiece on Senior Day for Carson Towt, Kebba Njie, and Matt MacLellan.