On Sunday, December 21, 2025, the IPFW Mastodons will square off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. The matchup pits the Mastodons, currently holding a record of 7-6, against the Fighting Irish, who boast a season record of 9-3.
In their most recent outing, IPFW earned a hard-fought victory over Detroit, winning 81-77. The Mastodons showcased a respectable shooting percentage from the field, converting 48.3% of their attempts. Key player Mikale Stevenson led the charge with 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists during his 32 minutes on the court. Despite struggles at the free-throw line, making only 51.9% of their attempts, IPFW managed to outlast their opponent by forcing 9 turnovers and securing multiple steals.
As the Mastodons prepare for Notre Dame, they will aim to improve upon their current statistics, including an average of 32.5 rebounds and a shooting percentage of 35.4% from beyond the arc. They have displayed strong potential on offense, averaging 85.8 points per game, placing them 55th in Division 1.
The Fighting Irish, meanwhile, are coming off a commanding 82-58 victory against Evansville. In that game, Notre Dame excelled at both ends of the floor, shooting 47.5% overall and making an impressive 56% of their three-point attempts. Star player Braeden Shrewsberry delivered a standout performance, scoring 26 points while shooting 75% from the field.
Looking at the overall team statistics, Notre Dame has scored 928 points this season, averaging 77.3 points per game. They remain proficient on defense, allowing an average of 68.1 points per game while ranking 72nd in the nation in defensive efficiency.
As basketball fans look forward to this exciting matchup, both teams will be eager to compete and secure a win. The experience and overall performance of the Fighting Irish may give them an edge, but the Mastodons’ recent form suggests this game could offer tight competition.
With both teams looking to improve their records, this game is set to attract considerable attention, providing fans with an evening of entertaining college basketball.