Imagine a basketball game where one player single-handedly transforms the momentum, sinking shot after shot from beyond the arc, leaving the opposition scrambling to catch up. That’s exactly what happened when Braeden Shrewsberry lit up the court for Notre Dame in their 82-58 victory over Evansville on December 13, 2025. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: Shrewsberry didn’t just score—he dropped a career-high 28 points, including a staggering eight 3-pointers, a feat that left fans and analysts alike in awe. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement game for the Fighting Irish, who were playing without their scoring leader, Markus Burton, due to ankle surgery.
The game started with Evansville taking an early 12-10 lead, but Shrewsberry quickly shifted the tide. In the first eight minutes alone, he knocked down three 3-pointers and scored 11 points, setting the tone for what would become a dominant performance. Sir Mohammed joined the party with a 3-pointer of his own, giving Notre Dame a 19-12 lead with 12 minutes left in the half. By halftime, Shrewsberry had already racked up 17 points, and the Fighting Irish led 41-29.
But Evansville wasn’t ready to throw in the towel. Connor Turnbull, fresh off a record-breaking performance in his previous game, sparked a 12-4 run that brought the Purple Aces within three points, 52-49, with 12 1/2 minutes remaining. And this is the part most people miss: Notre Dame’s response was nothing short of relentless. Shrewsberry, Garrett Sundra, Logan Imes, and Mohammed combined to hit four consecutive 3-pointers, effectively shutting down Evansville’s momentum and extending the lead to 67-51 with eight minutes left.
Shrewsberry’s efficiency was jaw-dropping—he made 8 of 10 3-pointers and 9 of 12 shots overall. Mohammed also had a career night, scoring 21 points, while Jalen Haralson chipped in with 10 points. For Evansville, Turnbull led the way with 17 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks, while Joshua Hughes added 14 points.
The game wasn’t just about basketball, though. It took place on the 48th anniversary of a tragic plane crash that claimed the lives of 29 people, including members of the Evansville men’s basketball team, coaching staff, and supporters. The somber occasion added a layer of emotion to the matchup, reminding everyone of the resilience and spirit of the Purple Aces community.
Looking ahead, Evansville will open Missouri Valley Conference play at home against Belmont on Tuesday, while Notre Dame, now a perfect 7-0 at home, will host Purdue Fort Wayne on December 21.
But here’s the controversial question: With Shrewsberry’s explosive performance and Notre Dame’s ability to thrive without their leading scorer, are the Fighting Irish a legitimate contender this season, or was this just a one-off display of brilliance? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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