March Madness 2025 Looms: No. 3 Notre Dame Cruises Into Fourth Straight Sweet 16 With Win Over No. 6 Michigan

March Madness, the pinnacle of college basketball, has become synonymous with intense competition, buzzer-beaters, and the thrilling unpredictability that comes with it. The 2025 tournament is no exception, and the stage is set for another exciting run to the Final Four. One of the most anticipated matchups in this year’s bracket has already lived up to expectations, with the No. 3 seed Notre Dame fighting their way past No. 6 Michigan to secure a fourth consecutive trip to the Sweet 16.

The Fighting Irish’s victory over the Wolverines was a comprehensive performance that not only showcased their depth and versatility but also solidified their status as one of the tournament’s top contenders. As the game unfolded, it became clear that Notre Dame was a team of destiny, with the coaching staff’s strategic planning and the players’ determination shining through in a dominant win that has fans and analysts alike excited for the next stage of the tournament.

This article will break down the key moments of the game, analyze the standout performances from both teams, and discuss what the win means for Notre Dame as they continue their March Madness journey in 2025.

The Build-Up to the Game

The 2025 NCAA Tournament has already been filled with surprises, upsets, and extraordinary performances. As the bracket was revealed, the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish were considered one of the favorites in their region. They entered the tournament with a strong regular-season record, marked by dominant victories in the ACC and a roster filled with talent and depth. Head coach Mike Brey, known for his ability to guide teams deep into the tournament, had built a squad that was poised to make a deep run.

Michigan, the No. 6 seed, had also been playing solid basketball heading into the tournament, with an experienced roster and a proven ability to pull off upsets. The Wolverines’ road to this matchup had been impressive, as they managed to dispatch their first-round opponent in a convincing fashion. Led by their star guard, Hunter Dickinson, Michigan was looking to assert themselves as a team capable of making a deep tournament run.

However, the stage was set for a clash of styles between the two teams: Notre Dame’s high-powered offense, built around sharp shooting and ball movement, versus Michigan’s aggressive defense and transition game. Fans and analysts alike knew that this matchup would likely come down to which team could impose its will on the other.

First Half: Notre Dame’s Offensive Firepower Shines

From the opening tip, it was clear that Notre Dame was ready to make a statement. The Fighting Irish came out firing on all cylinders, pushing the tempo and executing their offense with precision. Senior guard Trey Wertz, one of the key leaders for Notre Dame, set the tone early with a pair of quick threes, immediately putting Michigan on its heels.

The Wolverines, though, were not ones to back down. Led by Dickinson in the post and guard Jett Howard on the perimeter, Michigan managed to keep the game close for the first 10 minutes. Their defense, while not as suffocating as they would have liked, showed flashes of brilliance as they forced a few key turnovers, leading to fast-break opportunities. However, Notre Dame’s defense, which had been an area of improvement throughout the season, held firm when it mattered most.

What truly set Notre Dame apart during the first half was their depth. Off the bench, players like Dane Goodwin and Matt Zona provided a scoring spark, contributing both inside and outside. Goodwin, in particular, was outstanding in the first half, scoring 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting, combined with his savvy playmaking, made him a matchup nightmare for Michigan’s defense.

At the other end of the floor, Michigan’s offense began to sputter as Notre Dame’s defense tightened. Notre Dame’s ability to contest shots without fouling and force Michigan into tough, contested jumpers was evident. Although Dickinson had a few strong post moves, the Wolverines struggled to find consistent offense, especially as Notre Dame’s defensive rotations were quick and on point.

By halftime, Notre Dame had established a comfortable lead, 46-32. Their offensive efficiency, combined with Michigan’s inability to execute their game plan, left the Wolverines with a lot of work to do in the second half.

Second Half: Notre Dame Pulls Away

The second half began with Michigan trying to mount a comeback. Head coach Juwan Howard made a few adjustments, inserting more length into the lineup in hopes of slowing down Notre Dame’s shooting attack. The Wolverines started to press full-court, hoping to force turnovers and create easy scoring chances in transition.

While Michigan’s defense showed some improvement early in the second half, Notre Dame’s poise and discipline were too much to overcome. With the lead still intact, the Fighting Irish continued to operate with efficiency on offense, picking apart Michigan’s defense through precise ball movement. Freshman guard JJ Starling, who had been quiet in the first half, began to find his rhythm. His ability to get to the rim and finish through contact, along with his smooth jumper, made him a major weapon.

One of the key sequences in the second half occurred with just under 10 minutes left. With Michigan making a mini-run to cut the lead to 10 points, Notre Dame responded with a quick 8-0 run that effectively sealed the game. The rally was sparked by a pair of clutch threes from Goodwin and Wertz, followed by a steal and fast-break layup from Starling. At this point, Michigan’s defense, which had been scrambling to keep pace, completely broke down.

As the clock ticked down, Notre Dame’s lead continued to grow. The Fighting Irish made sure to maintain their composure, executing offensively and never allowing Michigan to get closer than 12 points in the final minutes. With a few key rebounds and stops, Notre Dame cruised to a 79-62 victory, earning their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance.

Key Performances

While the entire Notre Dame team contributed to the win, a few players stood out in particular.

Trey Wertz (19 points, 6 assists): Wertz was the catalyst for Notre Dame’s offense throughout the game. His ability to create opportunities both as a scorer and a playmaker allowed the team to flow effortlessly. His timely three-pointers in the first half helped the Fighting Irish build an early lead, and his vision and leadership on the floor kept Michigan from ever truly finding a rhythm.

Dane Goodwin (18 points, 4 rebounds): Goodwin provided the spark off the bench that Notre Dame needed. His shooting was on fire, and his ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game helped extend the Fighting Irish’s lead. His versatility allowed Notre Dame to match any adjustments Michigan tried to make in the second half.

JJ Starling (14 points, 5 assists): The freshman guard came alive in the second half, proving his mettle in the tournament. His ability to attack the rim and finish under pressure made him a difficult player to guard, and his maturity for a first-year player was on full display as he remained calm in crunch time.

Hunter Dickinson (20 points, 8 rebounds): Dickinson was the lone bright spot for Michigan, doing his best to keep the Wolverines competitive. However, he lacked the support needed to carry Michigan over the top. Despite his strong post play, Notre Dame’s defense was able to neutralize his impact in key moments of the game.

What’s Next for Notre Dame?

With the win, Notre Dame has now reached the Sweet 16 for the fourth consecutive year, a testament to the program’s sustained excellence under Coach Mike Brey. The victory over Michigan has solidified their status as a legitimate national title contender in 2025, and they now move forward with a growing sense of confidence.

Looking ahead, the Fighting Irish will face a challenging test in the next round, as the competition continues to intensify. However, with the balance of their roster, the coaching acumen of Brey, and the momentum gained from this impressive victory, Notre Dame will be a tough out for any team they face.

The Fighting Irish’s road to the Final Four won’t be easy, but if they continue to play with the same composure and teamwork that carried them to this point, they will undoubtedly be one of the teams to watch as March Madness 2025 unfolds.

Notre Dame’s 79-62 win over Michigan was not only a statement of their talent and resilience but also an indicator of their potential to make a deep run in the 2025 NCAA Tournament. As the team prepares for the Sweet 16, they are riding a wave of confidence and momentum that few can match. With the likes of Trey Wertz, Dane Goodwin, and JJ Starling leading the way, the Fighting Irish will be a formidable opponent for anyone standing in their path. The excitement surrounding Notre Dame’s tournament run is palpable, and fans are eagerly awaiting what’s next in the March Madness saga.