Notre Dame vs Houston Live Updates: NCAA Basketball Scores, Highlights

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish face the No. 3 Houston Cougars in a major consolation game today. The game tips off at 3:30 PM PT in Las Vegas. It is part of the Players Era Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Notre Dame enters with momentum after beating Rutgers. Houston is looking to bounce back from a shocking upset loss. This matchup features two programs with serious tournament ambitions this season.

Irish Seek Statement Win Against Stung Houston Squad

Notre Dame earned a hard-fought 68-63 victory over Rutgers on Tuesday. Markus Burton led the way with 21 points, his third straight 20-point game. The team showed resilience by holding off a late Scarlet Knights rally.

Coach Micah Shrewsberry’s team controlled the boards against Rutgers. They out-rebounded their opponent 37-28. This physical edge will be critical against a strong Houston frontcourt.

According to CBS Sports, the Irish shot 49.1% from the field in the win. That marked a significant improvement from their earlier tournament loss to Kansas. Maintaining that efficiency is the key challenge against Houston’s elite defense.

Cougars Aim to Regain Top-3 Form After Tennessee Upset

Houston suffered its first loss of the season on Tuesday. No. 3 Tennessee edged them out 76-73 in a thriller. The Cougars led by five points in the second half before foul trouble derailed them.

Star guard Emanuel Sharp was limited to just 8 points in 21 minutes. He fouled out after a 26-point performance a day earlier. Houston’s discipline will be under scrutiny in this consolation matchup.

The Cougars are a preseason favorite in the tough Big 12 conference. This game is a chance to prove the Tennessee loss was a fluke. A strong response is expected from Coach Kelvin Sampson’s veteran group.

Tournament Stakes and March Madness Implications

While a consolation game, the outcome carries weight for both teams. Early-season tournaments like the Players Era Festival are resume builders. Wins against ranked opponents are gold for the NCAA selection committee in March.

For Notre Dame, a win over No. 3 Houston would be a signature moment. It would announce their arrival as an ACC contender. For Houston, it’s about avoiding a two-game skid and stabilizing their top ranking.

The game will test Notre Dame’s improving offense against one of the nation’s best defenses. It will also test Houston’s ability to handle adversity. The result could influence both teams’ rankings next week.

Today’s Notre Dame vs Houston live matchup is a must-watch for college basketball fans. It offers high-level play and significant postseason implications for both proud programs.

Dropping this nugget your way

What channel is the Notre Dame vs Houston game on?

The game is broadcasting live on TNT. Coverage is part of the Players Era Festival schedule from Las Vegas.

What time does Notre Dame play Houston today?

Tip-off is scheduled for 3:30 PM Pacific Time on Wednesday. The game is at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

What was Houston’s record before their loss?

Houston was 6-0 before losing to Tennessee. Their defeat dropped them into this consolation bracket game.

Who is Notre Dame’s leading scorer?

Guard Markus Burton is the Irish’s top scorer. He has scored 20 or more points in five of seven games this season.

Is this game part of a larger tournament?

Yes. It is part of the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. The event features 18 elite college basketball teams.

Why is this consolation game important?

Wins against highly ranked teams boost NCAA tournament resumes. For both teams, it’s a chance to build momentum before conference play.

Trusted Sources: CBS Sports, ESPN, NCAA.com