The Mercyhurst Lakers will take on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a non-conference game at the Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, IN. The game is set for Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET. This matchup will be broadcasted on ACC.
Mercyhurst enters the game with a 0-1 record after a tough loss to Marquette, where they scored 43 points. Key players like Jake Lemelman, who scored 16 points, will look to boost their performance. Markus Maxwell-Grimes and Hunter Te Ratana also contributed in their previous game.
Notre Dame, boasting a 1-0 record, is coming off a narrow win against Villanova. Brady Koehler stood out with 16 points and 8 rebounds. Alongside him, Braeden Smith and Braeden Shrewsberry added to the team's success with their notable performances.
Notre Dame vs Mercyhurst At a Glance
- Matchup: Mercyhurst Lakers vs Notre Dame Fighting Irish
- Venue: Purcell Pavilion, South Bend IN
- Game Time: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM ET
- TV Broadcast: ACC
- Notre Dame Record: 1-0
- Mercyhurst Record: 0-1
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: A New Season Awaits
Offensive Overview
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish average 74 points each game, which ranks them 226th. They have a deliberate pace with 68.9 possessions every game. Their shooting from the field stands at 35.4%, a stat they hope to improve.
From beyond the arc, they make 9 threes each game with a solid 37.5% success rate. Their free-throw shooting remains consistent at 76%, positioning them at 91st in the rankings. Rebounding is at 37 per game, indicating room for improvement.
Defensive Insights
Notre Dame's defense averages 14 steals, placing them at 411th, an area they need to address. They block 2 shots every game, which ranks them 89th. Limiting turnovers to 11 each game keeps their play efficient.
Fouls per game are at 19, a number that could affect their defensive play. The team will look to enhance their defensive strategies in upcoming games. Their defensive performance will be key in tight games.
Key Players
Braeden Smith is a guard averaging 16 points and 4 assists per game. He shoots at 22.2% from the field. Brady Koehler, a forward, also averages 16 points and contributes with 8 rebounds per game.
Braeden Shrewsberry adds 15 points per game with a shooting rate of 42.9%. Logan Duncomb, despite a foot injury, plays a crucial role with 9 points and 3 rebounds per game. Ethan Roberts provides an additional 11 points as a versatile guard-forward.
Recent Game Performance
In their recent game against Villanova, Notre Dame came out on top with a 74-72 win. Brady Koehler and Braeden Smith both scored 16 points. Braeden Shrewsberry added 15 points, showcasing his scoring ability.
The team's shooting percentage in this game was 35.4%, consistent with their season average. The win against a strong opponent like Villanova boosts their confidence for future games. Key performances from top players will be crucial as the season progresses.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 1-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 1-0 (100.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
Mercyhurst Lakers Strive for Improvement in Upcoming Game
Offensive Struggles
The Mercyhurst Lakers have faced challenges on the offensive end this season. They average only 43 points per game, ranking low nationally. Their field goal percentage sits at 29.3%, which shows room for improvement.
The team also struggles with three-point shooting. They make only four three-pointers per game and shoot just 14.8% from beyond the arc. Improving these numbers will be key for their success.
Defensive Efforts
Defensively, the Lakers average nine steals per game. This is a bright spot for the team, giving them opportunities to score in transition. They also manage to block four shots per game, indicating some presence in the paint.
However, turnovers are a concern, with the team averaging 17 per game. Reducing these will be crucial in keeping opponents from capitalizing on mistakes.
Key Players
Jake Lemelman has been a standout player, scoring 16 points in the recent game against Marquette. His shooting percentage of 40% is one of the better stats on the team. Lemelman's ability to score will be vital for the Lakers.
Hunter Te Ratana and Markus Maxwell-Grimes provide additional scoring options. Te Ratana averages 8 points per game, while Maxwell-Grimes contributes 7 points. Both players can impact the game if given the chance.
Injury Report
Marcus Jackson is currently out due to an undisclosed injury. His absence impacts the team's guard rotation. The Lakers will need other players to step up in his place.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- SU as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS as Underdog: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 5: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
Notre Dame vs Mercyhurst Prediction: Over 142
Notre Dame averages 74 points per game and Mercyhurst averages 43. Although Mercyhurst struggles offensively, Notre Dame's scoring ability can push the total over. Their strong performance from the free throw line boosts their scoring potential.
Notre Dame's offensive stats, including field goal attempts and three-point shooting, suggest they can score in bunches. Mercyhurst's defensive numbers indicate they may struggle to contain Notre Dame's offense. This could lead to a high-scoring game.
Given Mercyhurst's performance, they might not contribute much to the total. However, Notre Dame's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities could still drive the total over. The spread favors Notre Dame significantly, indicating a potential blowout where the Irish score heavily.
The betting line set at 142 points seems reachable with Notre Dame's offensive capabilities. With Notre Dame likely to score in the high 70s or low 80s, the total could surpass the set line even with a limited contribution from Mercyhurst. The prediction is for the game to go over 142 points.
- Notre Dame vs Mercyhurst Prediction: Over 142
- Notre Dame vs Mercyhurst Score: Notre Dame 80 - Mercyhurst 65
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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