Get ready for a thrilling basketball showdown as two Indiana powerhouses rekindle their rivalry! The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are gearing up for their exhibition opener against the Butler Bulldogs, but this is more than just a friendly scrimmage. It's a clash of historic proportions!
A Rivalry Renewed: Once upon a time, these private schools, separated by a mere 140 miles, battled on the hardwood annually, sometimes even twice a year. But their basketball paths diverged, and now, after decades, they're set to face off again. On Friday, Notre Dame will embark on a journey down U.S. 31 to Hinkle Fieldhouse, a venue that holds a special place in their history. But here's the twist: it's been nearly three decades since they last met here.
A Nostalgic Return: Back in 1995, Notre Dame was an independent powerhouse on the cusp of joining the Big East. Fast forward to today, and they're an integral part of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). Butler, on the other hand, has also evolved, now a member of the same Big East that Notre Dame left behind in 2013. This exhibition game is not just about basketball; it's a trip down memory lane.
The Coaches' Connection: Adding to the intrigue is the return of Notre Dame's head coach, Micah Shrewsberry, to his former stomping ground. Shrewsberry spent four seasons (2007-11) as a Butler assistant, learning the ropes under the legendary Brad Stevens. This reunion will undoubtedly stir emotions and spark memories for both coaches and fans alike.
Game Details:
- Date: Friday, October 17
- Tip-off: 7 p.m.
- Venue: The iconic Hinkle Fieldhouse, with a capacity of 9,100, in Indianapolis
- Tickets: Available for those eager to witness history
- TV Broadcast: None
- Radio: Tune in to 960 WSBT-AM in South Bend for live coverage
- Streaming: SiriusXM on ACC Radio and channels 955 and 956 will bring the action to your devices
- Livestream: Unfortunately, there won't be a live video stream for this event.
A Historic Series: This rivalry dates back to 1909, with Notre Dame holding a commanding 72-31 all-time lead. At Hinkle Fieldhouse, the Irish have been equally dominant, leading 29-20. The last time these teams met in the regular season was in 2015, during the NCAA Tournament's second round, where Notre Dame emerged victorious in overtime, 67-64, en route to the Sweet 16. And now, they're back at Hinkle, the site of Butler's 76-60 win in 1995, the last year of Notre Dame's basketball independence.
Fresh Talent on Display: Keep your eyes peeled for Notre Dame's freshman sensation, Jalen Haralson. The 6-foot-7, 220-pound wing from Anderson, Indiana, is a five-star recruit and the highest-ranked player in the program's modern history. He's the first McDonald's All-American to sign with Notre Dame under Shrewsberry and is expected to make an immediate impact. On the other side, Butler boasts Efeosa Oliogu-Elabor, a 6-6 freshman forward who impressed during the FIBA U19 World Cup. Oliogu-Elabor's athleticism left Butler's head coach, Thad Matta, in awe.
Upcoming Schedule:
- Oct. 17: at Butler (Exhibition)
- Oct. 24: DEPAUL (Exhibition)
- Nov. 3: LIU BROOKLYN, 7 p.m. (ACCNX)
- Nov. 7: DETROIT MERCY, 7 p.m. (ACCNX)
- ... [and so on, as per the provided schedule]
Controversy Alert: With such a rich history and passionate fan bases, this game is bound to stir up debates. Will Notre Dame's return to Hinkle Fieldhouse reignite the old rivalry? Can the young talents live up to the hype? And what does the future hold for these programs? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below. Are you team Irish or team Bulldogs? Let's get the discussion going!
