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The observer | WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 | ndsmcobserver.com

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so Jack, how ‘bout those jerseys?

By AIDAN THOMAS

sports Writer

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online March 1.

“As those rules are developed, it is our strong desire that student-athletes be allowed to benefit directly from allowing their name, image and performance history to be used in the game”. brave words, Jack.

When notre dame athletic director Jack swarbrick came out with that quote, the news spread like wildfire — no notre dame in the new eA sports college Football game? one of the biggest brands in college sports taken away? Jokes rolled in — would eA basically ignore it and create some pseudoIrish team? some keyboard warriors sarcastically suggested using the “south bend Leprechauns” as a moniker, essentially bypassing notre dame’s resistance to their use of the logo. All of that is an interesting point, and how the production of the game proceeds remains to be seen, with a lot of the details likely to be worked out after the upcoming name, image and likeness (nIL) vote that is expected to make revolutionary changes as to how collegiate athletes can benefit from their personal brands. but let’s revisit the brave words from mr. swarbrick. To be clear, before I go any further, I think the individual decision was a great move. The nIL vote is a muchneeded change in college sports, as the inability for college athletes to capitalize on personal branding opportunities was ridiculous, and it led to inconsistent rulings from the ncAA on related issues. one such inconsistent ruling was directly related to notre dame, when women’s basketball legend and Final Four hero Arike ogunbowale was permitted to be on

see ThomAs PAGE 14

HoCkEY | nd 5, Penn sTATe 2; nd 7, Penn sTATe 1 ND MEN’S bASkEtbAll | nd 80, WAKe ForesT 77

Irish overcome 15-point deficit to squeeze out win

Photo Courtesy of Notre Dame Athletics

Irish junior guard Trey Wertz puts up a shot during Notre Dame’s 80-77 win over Wake Forest at Greensboro Coliseum on Monday.

By EMILY DeFAZIO

sports Writer

notre dame advances to face north carolina in the Acc tournament after their win against Wake Forest Tuesday night. This follows a buzzer-beater three-point shot by junior guard Trey Wertz to cap off the close game.

The game started off rough for the Irish (11-14, 8-11 Acc). After winning the tip-off, Wake Forest (616, 3-15 Acc) dominated the score board, despite notre dame gaining the first points of the match. Graduate student forward Juwan durham saw some action, with the ball usually winding up in his hands for some early points. Junior guard Prentiss hubb, who is usually a lead scorer for the team, did not make a basket during the first half. Instead, Wertz was the player making the three-point shots, even though they were limited.

Though shots went back and forth between the two teams, Wake Forest proved to be more consistent in the first portion of the game.

“every time we’d get it to six,

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notre dame caps regular season with sweep

Observer Staff Report

Editor’s Note: A version of this story was published online March 8.

nearly three months after their regular season started, notre dame (14-12-2, 12-10-2-12-2) finished it in style. The Irish swept the Penn state nittany Lions (9-11-0, 7-11-0-2-1-0) out of compton Family Ice Arena with a 5-2 victory on Friday night. They were even better on their senior night saturday, pulling out a 7-1 offensive explosion to wrap up the regular season.

The Irish got off to a bit of a slow start Friday, surrendering the game’s first three shots. They also gave up an early goal to senior defenseman mason snell, as a point shot through traffic beat senior goaltender dylan st. cyr. but the Irish responded just 1:29 later. A good defensive play by junior forward Alex steeves led to a great chance the other way. steeves made a slick move in front of the net before setting up freshman forward Landon slaggert backdoor, who tied the game and kept notre dame’s top-line red hot.

Penn state’s forecheck gave notre dame’s defense a real challenge, especially in the first twenty minutes. The Irish managed just seven shots in the first 20 minutes of play. however, they came out guns blazing in the second, registering six shots in less than seven minutes. but just as the Irish started to control play, Penn state broke the tie. snell jumped up on the play during an excellent Penn state cycle, scoring on a pass that caromed in off an Irish skate. but once again, the Irish responded in short order. Just 93 seconds later, notre dame tied the game. senior forward Pierce crawford, who took a huge hit early in the contest, made a tremendous pass out of the corner. senior forward matt steeves received it uncovered and ripped a one-timer past Penn state’s goaltender, junior oskar Autio, for his tenth goal of the season.

With the score tied heading into the third period, the Irish came out and delivered a strong performance. notre dame peppered Autio with 16 shots, and though they gave up 14 of their own, st. cyr was on fire after the early goal, stopping 36 of Penn state’s final 37 shots. st. cyr’s performance gave notre dame’s offense time to find their stride, which they did early in the third. sophomore forward max ellis scored an impressive goal, darting all the way through the neutral zone and into the slot to beat Autio with a wrist shot. A few minutes later, notre dame’s third line, which had some tremendous shifts, was finally rewarded for their efforts. sophomore forward Trevor Janicke was denied on a jam play at the side of the net, only for the rebound to find a wide-open freshman defenseman Zach Plucinski for a tapin to double the lead. Junior defenseman and captain nick clurman proved notre dame’s defense could find the score