Notre Dame vs Kansas Basketball Showdown Tests Irish Home Streak Against Injured Jayhawks

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish face their toughest home test of the season. They host the No. 24 ranked Kansas Jayhawks on Monday, November 24. The game tips off at 2:30 p.m. ET at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Notre Dame brings a perfect 4-0 home record into this high-profile neutral-site clash. Kansas enters with a 3-2 record and will be without star freshman Darryn Peterson due to a hamstring injury, adding major intrigue to this non-conference battle.

Irish Aim to Protect Perfect Home Court Record

Notre Dame’s home dominance is the foundation of their early success. They have convincingly won all four games at Purcell Pavilion this season. Victories include an 89-67 win over Long Island and a tight 71-68 triumph against Ohio State.

This strong home form provides a significant mental edge. According to pregame analysis from CBS Sports, Notre Dame has won the first half in each of its last seven games against non-conference opponents. Maintaining that fast start will be critical against a ranked foe.

The Fighting Irish also lead the all-time series against Kansas 9-3. Notably, they are 3-0 against the Jayhawks at neutral sites. This historical data suggests the Las Vegas setting may favor Notre Dame.

Kansas Battles Key Absence of Star Freshman

Kansas faces a substantial challenge playing without Darryn Peterson. The dynamic guard is considered a potential top NBA draft pick. He has been sidelined for the team’s last three games with a lingering hamstring issue.

Head coach Bill Self confirmed Peterson would miss the entire Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. His absence removes a primary scoring and playmaking option from the Jayhawks’ lineup. The team has gone 2-1 without him so far, showing resilience but also inconsistency.

Without Peterson, Kansas must find scoring from other sources. The Jayhawks struggled offensively in a previous neutral-court loss to Duke, falling 78-66. Their ability to adjust in the second half against a confident Notre Dame team will be a major focal point.

Betting Lines and Game Expectations

Despite the injury and venue, Kansas is favored by 4.5 to 5.5 points. This line reflects the market’s respect for Coach Self’s program and its depth. However, it sets up a compelling value scenario for the undefeated-at-home Irish.

The total point line is set around 141.5. This indicates expectations for a moderately paced game. Notre Dame’s ability to control tempo and leverage their defensive energy could dictate the flow.

All eyes will be on how Kansas manages offensive possessions. They must compensate for Peterson’s missing production. Conversely, Notre Dame must prove their home success translates against top-tier competition.

This Notre Dame vs Kansas matchup hinges on conflicting strengths: an unblemished home record against a ranked team’s pedigree tested by injury. The result will signal early-season legitimacy for the winner.

Thought you’d like to know-

Where can I watch the Notre Dame vs Kansas game?

The game tips at 2:30 p.m. ET on Monday, November 24. National broadcast details are typically available through major sports networks like ESPN or CBS Sports closer to game time. Check your local listings.

Why is Kansas favored to win on the road?

Kansas is favored by 4.5 points largely due to their higher preseason ranking and the strength of their program. Betting markets often weigh a team’s historical reputation and coaching, even when key players are injured.

How long is Darryn Peterson out for Kansas?

Kansas coach Bill Self stated Peterson would miss the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. The exact timeline for his return from the hamstring injury remains week-to-week, with further evaluation pending.

What is Notre Dame’s overall record this season?

Entering this game, Notre Dame holds a 4-1 overall record. Their only loss came on the road, while they are a perfect 4-0 in games played at their home venue in South Bend.

Has Notre Dame beaten Kansas before?

Yes. Notre Dame leads the all-time series against Kansas 9 wins to 3. This includes a perfect 3-0 record against the Jayhawks in games played at neutral sites, like the one in Las Vegas.