Thu Jan 09 14:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Wolfpack Sinks Fighting Irish in Thrilling ACC Showdown

**RALEIGH, N.C.** – In a nail-biting finish, NC State edged out Notre Dame 66-65 Wednesday night, erasing a seven-point deficit in the final minutes. Ben Middlebrooks’ clutch free throw with 11 seconds left secured the victory for the Wolfpack.

Marcus Hill’s layup tied the game with 1:07 remaining, setting the stage for a tense final sequence. While Braeden Shrewsberry’s three-pointer gave Notre Dame a commanding lead with 3.5 minutes left, the Fighting Irish managed only two points thereafter. Dontrez Styles ignited NC State’s comeback with a three-pointer, and Hill’s layup cut the lead to two. Matt Allocco hit two free throws for Notre Dame, but the Wolfpack closed the game with a decisive five-point run.

Nine players from both teams reached double-digit scoring. Hill led NC State with 15 points, followed by Jayden Taylor (14), Middlebrooks (11), and Styles (10). For Notre Dame, Markus Burton scored 15, Tae Davis added 14, Shrewsberry contributed 13, Allocco had 11, and Kebba Njie chipped in 10 points and 11 rebounds.

The first half saw a back-and-forth battle with five lead changes before Notre Dame established a 33-26 halftime lead.

The win brings NC State’s record to 9-6 (2-2 ACC), while Notre Dame falls to 7-8 (1-3 ACC). NC State will next face North Carolina on Saturday, while Notre Dame travels to face No. 4 Duke.

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