Notre Dame Hosts Mercyhurst in Home Opener
The Fighting Irish open their home schedule Thursday at Purcell Pavilion after a 74-72 win over Villanova in Rome.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Basketball
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Notre Dame will host Mercyhurst in its home opener on Thursday at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend. The Irish enter the game after defeating Villanova 74-72 in Rome on Sunday.
Why it matters
The matchup gives Notre Dame its first home test of the season following an undefeated start. Notre Dame finished 17-17 last season, the same record Mercyhurst posted.
Brady Koehler scored 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds in Notre Dame's 74-72 win over Villanova. Mercyhurst, which finished 17-17 and 10-8 in conference play last season, lost its opener to Marquette 78-43, with Jake Lemelman scoring 16.
The players
Brady Koehler
Notre Dame forward who led the Irish in scoring against Villanova and is expected to pace the squad.
Braeden Smith
Guard who transferred to Notre Dame from Gonzaga and scored 16 points in his Irish debut.
Mercyhurst
NCAA Division I program in the Northeast Conference that finished third in the NEC last season.
The details
Notre Dame defeated Villanova 74-72 in Rome on Sunday, with Koehler leading the Irish in scoring. Transfer Braeden Smith, who came to Notre Dame from Gonzaga, scored 16 points in his Irish debut. Mercyhurst, third in the NEC last season, opens Thursday's contest as a visitor.
Timeline
Sunday: Notre Dame defeats Villanova 74-72 in Rome.
Thursday: Mercyhurst visits Notre Dame for the home opener at Purcell Pavilion.
Dec. 30: Notre Dame begins ACC play against Stanford.
Season Trajectory
Notre Dame finished 17-17 last season, the same mark Mercyhurst posted, so both programs enter this home opener looking to move past .500 play. An undefeated start to this season would give the Irish early separation from last year's record as they open ACC play against Stanford on Dec. 30.
Fantasy managers tracking Koehler and Smith should note Koehler's 16-point, 8-rebound effort against Villanova and Smith's 16-point debut. Ticket holders for Thursday's home opener at Purcell Pavilion can expect Notre Dame's frontcourt to be central to the matchup.
The takeaway
Notre Dame's early roster additions, including Smith's transfer from Gonzaga, give the Irish a new backcourt option heading into conference play.
What happens next
Notre Dame begins ACC play against Stanford on Dec. 30.
Further reading
For more Irish coverage, see our Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Observer.
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