Notre Dame vs. UNC basketball: ACC Tournament scouting report and score prediction

In the second round of the 2025 ACC Men’s Basketball Tournament, the North Carolina Tar Heels faced the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on March 12, 2025. The Tar Heels secured a decisive 76-56 victory, advancing to the quarterfinals to face Wake Forest.

Game Overview

North Carolina entered the tournament as the fifth seed, holding a 20-12 record, while Notre Dame was seeded 12th. The Tar Heels were favored by 10.5 points, reflecting expectations of their dominance.

The game commenced with North Carolina asserting control early. Jae’Lyn Withers, who averaged six points per game during the season, delivered an exceptional performance by hitting five three-pointers in the first half, contributing 15 points. This offensive surge propelled the Tar Heels to a 17-5 lead within the first five minutes.

Notre Dame struggled to counter North Carolina’s momentum. The Fighting Irish’s fatigue was evident, likely due to their recent schedule, including a four-overtime game over the weekend. Their defense was unable to contain North Carolina’s offensive strategies, leading to a 43-29 deficit at halftime.

Key Performances

• Jae’Lyn Withers (UNC): Withers set a new UNC record for the most three-pointers in an ACC Tournament game, sinking seven out of ten attempts. He also contributed nine rebounds, showcasing a well-rounded performance.

  goheels.com

• Drake Powell (UNC): Powell played a pivotal defensive role, effectively limiting Notre Dame’s leading scorer, Markus Burton, and disrupting the Fighting Irish’s offensive rhythm.

  onefootdown.com

Scouting Report

North Carolina Tar Heels

• Offensive Strategy: The Tar Heels demonstrated a balanced offense, with effective perimeter shooting and strong inside play. Withers’ exceptional three-point shooting stretched Notre Dame’s defense, creating opportunities for other players.

• Defensive Strategy: North Carolina’s defense was aggressive, focusing on neutralizing key Notre Dame players. Powell’s defensive efforts were instrumental in limiting Burton’s impact, forcing Notre Dame to rely on less consistent scoring options.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

• Offensive Challenges: The Fighting Irish struggled with shooting efficiency, particularly in the first half, where they shot just 29%. Their offense lacked rhythm, partly due to North Carolina’s defensive pressure and their own fatigue.

  tarheelblog.com

• Defensive Challenges: Notre Dame’s defense was unable to contain North Carolina’s shooters, particularly Withers. Their inability to contest perimeter shots effectively allowed the Tar Heels to build and maintain a substantial lead.

Post-Game Reflection

Notre Dame’s season concludes with this loss, highlighting areas for improvement, particularly in defensive consistency and offensive resilience under pressure. The offseason focus will likely be on retaining key players like Markus Burton and Tae Davis, while bolstering the roster through recruiting and transfers.

North Carolina’s convincing win sets a positive tone as they advance in the ACC Tournament. Their upcoming matchup against Wake Forest presents an opportunity to solidify their NCAA Tournament aspirations. Continued performances like that of Withers could be pivotal in their postseason success.

North Carolina’s strategic execution and individual performances, particularly from Jae’Lyn Withers, were decisive in their victory over Notre Dame. The Tar Heels’ ability to capitalize on Notre Dame’s defensive lapses and shooting struggles underscores the importance of adaptability and depth in tournament play.