King’s Double-Double of 20 Points Propels the Irish Past the Tigers
In a thrilling college basketball matchup, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a hard-fought victory over the Auburn Tigers, with a standout performance from forward Marcus King. King’s dynamic play, particularly his impressive double-double of 20 points and 12 rebounds, helped the Irish edge past the Tigers 75-68 in front of a packed crowd at Purcell Pavilion. The win was crucial for Notre Dame as they continue to build momentum in a competitive season, showcasing their resilience and depth in a tough battle against an Auburn team known for its defensive prowess.
The Stage is Set
Both teams entered the game with high expectations. Auburn, ranked No. 12 in the nation, had been riding a wave of success under head coach Bruce Pearl, with a roster full of athletic players capable of creating problems for their opponents. Meanwhile, Notre Dame, led by head coach Mike Brey, had been steadily improving after a rocky start to the season. The Fighting Irish were hungry for a statement win, and this game against a highly ranked opponent presented the perfect opportunity.
Auburn’s defense, which had been a hallmark of their play all season, was expected to be a key factor in this matchup. The Tigers boasted a top-10 defense in the country, stifling their opponents with aggressive full-court pressure and suffocating half-court sets. However, the Irish had their own star power, with Marcus King stepping up as the focal point of their offense.
First Half: Tight and Intense
From the opening tip, it was clear that both teams were ready for a battle. Auburn came out with aggressive defense, pressing the ball up the court and forcing Notre Dame to work for every possession. Early on, the Tigers used their length and athleticism to disrupt the Irish’s offensive flow, getting out in transition and creating opportunities for easy baskets. At the other end, the Irish struggled to get quality looks against Auburn’s swarming defense, as shots were contested and passing lanes clogged.
However, it was King who quickly made his presence felt. A key play early in the first half saw him grab a contested rebound off a missed three-pointer and immediately push the ball up the court. With his head up, King surveyed the defense and found an open teammate for an easy bucket. This play set the tone for the rest of the game, as King showcased his versatility not only as a scorer but also as a creator for others.
As the first half progressed, Auburn continued to put pressure on the Irish, leading by as many as 8 points midway through the period. However, Notre Dame kept within striking distance, thanks to the steady play of King and point guard Tim Shaw, who orchestrated the offense with poise. Shaw, who had been inconsistent at times this season, was exceptional in this game, contributing 8 points and 6 assists in the first half alone.
With just under five minutes remaining in the half, King took over the game. First, he converted a tough mid-range jumper over Auburn’s 6-foot-9 forward to cut the deficit to just 4 points. On the next possession, he grabbed an offensive rebound and went back up for a strong put-back, drawing a foul and hitting the free throw for a three-point play. The momentum was shifting, and the crowd at Purcell Pavilion could feel the energy building.
By the end of the first half, the Irish had clawed their way back into the game. Auburn led by just 2 points, 35-33, but it was clear that the game was far from decided. King’s 12 points and 7 rebounds in the first half were crucial, but he would need more help from his teammates to finish the job in the second half.
Second Half: King Takes Control
The second half began with both teams coming out with renewed intensity. Auburn’s defense remained tough, but Notre Dame had found a rhythm. Early in the half, it was clear that King was ready to carry his team to victory. On consecutive possessions, King scored in a variety of ways—first, hitting a pull-up jumper from the elbow, then finishing a fast-break layup after a steal. His scoring burst gave the Irish their first lead of the game, 42-40, with 17 minutes left to play.
Auburn wasn’t ready to concede the game just yet, however. The Tigers answered with a run of their own, led by their star guard, Dylan Foster, who knocked down a pair of three-pointers to put Auburn back on top, 48-44. Foster’s ability to create his own shot and stretch the floor with his three-point shooting had been a major threat all night, and he seemed poised to keep Auburn in the game. But King was undeterred.
With the score tied at 53-53 with 10 minutes remaining, King made his most defining play of the game. After a missed Auburn shot, King grabbed another crucial defensive rebound, igniting a fast break. He sprinted up the floor, drawing defenders toward him before dishing out a perfect pass to Shaw for a wide-open three-pointer. Shaw’s shot hit nothing but net, giving the Irish a three-point lead and putting the Tigers on their heels.
From that point on, King took over both ends of the floor. On the offensive end, he continued to score with ease, finishing a tough post move over Auburn’s big man, and later hitting a corner three-pointer to keep the Tigers at bay. Defensively, he was equally impactful, swatting away a shot attempt from Foster and grabbing key rebounds to limit Auburn’s second-chance opportunities. His complete performance was a testament to his growth as a player and his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments.
With under two minutes remaining, the Irish held a 70-65 lead, and Auburn’s chances were slipping away. The Tigers were forced to foul, but Notre Dame made their free throws down the stretch, including two from King that sealed the victory. When the final buzzer sounded, the Irish emerged with a 75-68 win, and Marcus King’s 20-point, 12-rebound performance was the clear difference-maker.
The Postgame: King’s Impact
In the postgame press conference, head coach Mike Brey couldn’t have been more proud of his team’s resilience. “Marcus was phenomenal tonight,” Brey said. “He carried us when we needed it the most, but I also want to give credit to our entire team. Tim Shaw was outstanding running the offense, and our defense really stepped up in the second half. But Marcus was our anchor, and he showed why he’s one of the best players in the country.”
King, ever humble, deflected the praise back to his teammates. “I couldn’t have done it without my guys,” King said. “Tim (Shaw) was great at getting me the ball in the right spots, and we all stuck together, even when things weren’t going our way early in the game. It’s a team effort, and we just had to keep fighting.”
Auburn’s head coach, Bruce Pearl, acknowledged that King’s performance was a difference-maker. “He was a matchup nightmare for us,” Pearl said. “We couldn’t find a way to contain him. He’s a special player, and he put them on his back tonight.”
