March Madness 2025: Notre Dame Looks to Avenge Early Season Loss to TCU in Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament Matchup
The NCAA Tournament is a time of high drama, where teams rise to the occasion or falter under pressure. March Madness in 2025 is no different, bringing with it unexpected matchups, thrilling performances, and underdog stories. One of the most anticipated games of this year’s tournament comes in the Sweet 16, where the Notre Dame Fighting Irish will face off against the TCU Horned Frogs in a rematch that has added layers of intrigue. This game is not only a battle of two talented teams, but it’s also an opportunity for Notre Dame to avenge an early season loss that has stuck with them throughout the year.
A Tale of Two Seasons
The first meeting between these two teams occurred in early December 2024. At the time, TCU was riding high after a strong start to the season, while Notre Dame was still finding its footing after losing some key players from the previous year. The game, played at TCU’s home court, was a hard-fought contest, but the Horned Frogs came out on top, securing a 78-72 victory. The loss was a tough pill for Notre Dame, who had expected to be competitive in this early-season non-conference matchup.
For TCU, the victory was a statement win—one that solidified their status as a legitimate contender in the Big 12 and beyond. The Horned Frogs, led by their high-flying offense and gritty defense, proved that they were more than just a team to be respected in the regular season. They were a squad with championship aspirations.
Notre Dame’s loss to TCU, however, didn’t define their season. Instead, it served as a turning point. Head coach Mike Brey used the defeat as a catalyst to refocus his team. “That game made us realize we were nowhere near where we wanted to be,” Brey said after the game. “It was a humbling experience, but sometimes you need that early in the season to spur growth.”
And grow they did. The Fighting Irish went on a tear through the second half of the season, including key wins over ranked opponents and a strong run in the ACC Tournament. Their offense, led by senior guard Dara Mabrey and dynamic forward Nate Laszewski, became one of the most efficient in the country. Notre Dame’s defense, which had been a concern early on, also stepped up, allowing them to close out tight games with poise and precision.
By the time March Madness rolled around, Notre Dame was primed for a deep run. The team’s chemistry, built over months of hard work and adversity, was on full display, and the Irish were considered one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament field. Their first-round matchup against a tough mid-major opponent was not an issue, as they cruised into the second round. Now, as they prepare for the Sweet 16, there is only one thing on their minds: redemption.
TCU’s Journey to the Sweet 16
On the other side of the bracket, TCU has had an equally impressive journey. After their early-season win against Notre Dame, the Horned Frogs went on to solidify their place as one of the top teams in the country. They finished the regular season with a strong conference record, and their explosive offense—led by senior point guard Mike Miles Jr.—had many talking about TCU as a team to watch in the tournament.
Mike Miles has been the engine for TCU all season. A player who can score in a variety of ways—whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting mid-range jumpers, or knocking down three-pointers—Miles is a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. His ability to take over games in crunch time has been a hallmark of his game, and it has carried TCU deep into the tournament. Alongside him is a supporting cast that includes sophomore guard Emmanuel Miller and senior forward Xavier Cork, who provide the Horned Frogs with a well-balanced offensive attack.
TCU’s defense, however, is what has truly made them a standout this season. They play with a relentless, physical style that often frustrates opposing teams, forcing turnovers and making life difficult in the paint. Their ability to switch seamlessly between man-to-man and zone defenses has made them unpredictable, and it’s one of the reasons they’ve been so successful in the tournament thus far. In their second-round game, they faced a tough opponent but came out with a commanding 85-74 victory, advancing to the Sweet 16 with confidence.
The Horned Frogs are not taking this matchup lightly, though. The memory of their early-season win over Notre Dame still lingers, but they are well aware that the Irish are a different team now. “They’ve gotten a lot better since we played them early in the year,” said TCU head coach Jamie Dixon. “We know we’ll have to be at our best to get through them. They’re a very talented team, and they’ve proven themselves in the tournament.”
The Rematch: What to Expect
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on this Sweet 16 showdown between two teams that have been through their own battles to get here. For Notre Dame, the motivation is clear: avenge that early-season loss to TCU and continue their march toward the Final Four. For TCU, they want to prove that their victory over the Irish was not a fluke and that they belong in the conversation as one of the top teams in the country.
The key to Notre Dame’s success in this game will likely be their ability to execute their offense efficiently and control the tempo. Throughout the season, Notre Dame has been at their best when they limit turnovers and make smart decisions with the basketball. Their high basketball IQ, combined with a veteran-laden roster, gives them the edge in high-pressure situations. If Mabrey and Laszewski can get going early, it could be a long night for TCU.
On the defensive side, Notre Dame will need to focus on slowing down Mike Miles. While the Irish have several strong defenders, none are quite like the challenge Miles presents. The key will be forcing Miles to take difficult shots while ensuring that TCU’s role players don’t get hot from the perimeter. Notre Dame’s ability to control the paint will also be crucial—if they can limit second-chance opportunities and keep TCU off the boards, they’ll have a much better chance at winning.
For TCU, the game plan will likely revolve around continuing to attack the basket, using their athleticism and depth to wear down the Notre Dame defense. If they can force the Irish into a fast-paced game, it could play into TCU’s hands. The Horned Frogs also have the ability to get hot from beyond the arc, and if they can stretch the floor, it will open up driving lanes for Miles and the other playmakers.
Defensively, TCU will look to disrupt Notre Dame’s rhythm by playing physical defense, challenging shots, and making life difficult for Mabrey and Laszewski. The Horned Frogs have one of the best defensive units in the country, and their ability to force turnovers could be a deciding factor in this matchup.
Keys to Victory for Both Teams
- Tempo Control: Notre Dame needs to slow the game down and execute in the half-court, while TCU will want to push the tempo and make the game high-paced.
- Mike Miles: Stopping TCU’s star point guard will be crucial for Notre Dame. Limiting his scoring opportunities and forcing him into tough shots could be the difference.
- Turnovers and Execution: Both teams will need to take care of the ball and make smart decisions on offense. Turnovers could prove to be costly, especially in a game this close.
- Rebounding: The team that wins the battle on the boards will have a major advantage, especially in a matchup where both teams have athleticism and depth.