Notre Dame men’s basketball beats Alabama, headed to next round

The Notre Dame’s men’s basketball team beat Alabama 78-64 in the first round of the NCAA tournament in San Diego.

Fans have flown from all over to root on the Fighting Irish.

The team started their March Madness journey in Dayton against Rutgers in a First Four game.

They then headed to San Diego to take on 6 seed Alabama.

ABC57 spoke with some Notre Dame fans and alumni before the game.

“I am so excited I’m here in sunny California and waiting for the Irish to take that win today,” said Lesley Wesley. Her son is freshman guard Blake Wesley.

Notre Dame alumni Ed Baracchini was excited about the team making it into the tournament.

“It’s very exciting and it’s about time, 5 years you know. Were back in 82 in the early 80s when I was there we were one of the top teams in basketball as well as football so hopefully we’ll get the better of Alabama today,” Baracchini said.

“I’m here to root on the Irish man. Crush the Tide,” said Tom Cecil, a Notre Dame fan. “We had a tough a ACC tournament but I think they’re back now and that was an awesome game against Rutgers and we’re ready to roll.”

The game ended around 6:30 p.m. Friday with a win for the Irish.