March Madness 2025: Notre Dame, ranked third, defeats Michigan, ranked sixth, to advance to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year.
In yet another thrilling chapter of March Madness history, the third-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish defeated the sixth-seeded Michigan Wolverines to secure their place in the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year. In a game filled with electrifying moments, strategic brilliance, and sheer determination, Notre Dame showcased why they are a force to be reckoned with in this year’s NCAA Tournament.
A Battle of Powerhouses
Both Notre Dame and Michigan entered the tournament with impressive records and high expectations. Notre Dame, under the leadership of head coach Micah Shrewsberry, had built a reputation for disciplined play, suffocating defense, and an explosive offense led by senior guard Marcus Reynolds. Michigan, on the other hand, boasted a dynamic squad featuring the towering presence of center Jalen Carter and a lethal perimeter attack spearheaded by sharpshooter Caleb Foster.
The clash between these two teams had all the ingredients of a classic NCAA Tournament showdown—storied programs, passionate fan bases, and high-stakes basketball.
First Half: A Game of Runs
The game tipped off with a ferocious intensity, as both teams looked to impose their will early. Notre Dame’s defense set the tone from the outset, forcing Michigan into a series of tough shots and capitalizing on early turnovers. Marcus Reynolds ignited the Fighting Irish offense with back-to-back three-pointers, giving Notre Dame an early edge.
However, Michigan responded in kind. Caleb Foster found his rhythm, knocking down consecutive triples and cutting through Notre Dame’s defense with sharp drives to the basket. Jalen Carter’s dominance in the paint soon became evident, as he swatted away multiple Irish attempts and converted second-chance opportunities. The Wolverines went on a 12-2 run midway through the half, silencing the Notre Dame faithful in attendance.
Notre Dame countered with a tactical adjustment, employing a high-pressure defense that rattled Michigan’s ball handlers. The Fighting Irish forced three consecutive turnovers, leading to fast-break opportunities and easy buckets for sophomore forward Jordan Tate. With Reynolds orchestrating the offense masterfully, Notre Dame closed the half on a 10-3 run to take a slim 38-35 lead into the break.
Second Half: Notre Dame’s Defensive Masterclass
If the first half was a back-and-forth affair, the second half saw Notre Dame elevate its defensive intensity to another level. Coach Shrewsberry’s halftime adjustments proved crucial, as the Irish focused on limiting Michigan’s three-point shooting and doubling Carter in the post.
Michigan struggled to find offensive rhythm, with Foster being hounded by Notre Dame’s relentless perimeter defense. Every Michigan possession became a battle against the shot clock, and their field goal percentage plummeted as a result. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s offense continued to hum with precision. Reynolds and Tate worked seamlessly to exploit defensive gaps, while senior forward Ryan O’Donnell provided timely shooting from beyond the arc.
As the game entered its final ten minutes, Notre Dame extended its lead to double digits. Reynolds displayed his veteran poise, draining a crucial step-back three over Michigan’s top defender. The Wolverines attempted a late surge, with Carter muscling his way inside for consecutive baskets, but Notre Dame refused to yield.
With under two minutes remaining, Reynolds delivered the dagger—a pull-up jumper from the elbow that put Notre Dame ahead by 12, effectively sealing the victory. Michigan’s final attempts were stifled, and as the buzzer sounded, Notre Dame’s bench erupted in celebration.
The Road Ahead: Sweet 16 and Beyond
With their 74-62 victory over Michigan, Notre Dame punched their ticket to the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year, a testament to their sustained excellence under Coach Shrewsberry. Reynolds finished the night with 24 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals, while Tate contributed 18 points and 9 rebounds. Defensively, the Irish held Michigan to just 38% shooting from the field—a performance that underscored their commitment to shutting down elite offenses.
Looking ahead, Notre Dame now sets its sights on their next opponent in the regional semifinals. The road to the Final Four remains treacherous, but if this performance was any indication, the Fighting Irish are more than prepared for the challenge ahead.
As the madness of March continues, one thing is clear: Notre Dame is not just a contender—they are a legitimate threat to cut down the nets in April.