Notre Dame Basketball's History Against Final Four Teams

The Irish have faced off against Connecticut, Michigan, Illinois, and Arizona in memorable matchups over the years.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Notre Dame basketball has a long history of playing against the four teams that made the 2026 Final Four - Connecticut, Michigan, Illinois, and Arizona. While the Irish have a combined 34-64 record against this group, there have been many memorable moments in these matchups over the years, from the debut of Michigan's Fab Five to Notre Dame's improbable comeback against UConn.

Why it matters

These games showcase Notre Dame's storied basketball history and the program's ability to compete with some of the top teams in the country, even during periods when the Irish were not consistently making the NCAA Tournament. The games highlight key moments in the evolution of college basketball as well as Notre Dame's own journey as a program.

The details

The article recounts eight specific games between Notre Dame and the Final Four teams, including a 1992 matchup with Michigan that featured the debut of the Fab Five, a 1999 NIT game against Arizona where Notre Dame was 'in awe' of the stage, a 2002 upset of UConn, and a 2003 NCAA Tournament win over Illinois. These games showcase Notre Dame's ability to compete with elite programs, even if the overall record against the Final Four teams is below .500.

  • In 1992, Notre Dame played Michigan in a midweek February matchup.
  • In 1999, Notre Dame faced Arizona in the NIT Preseason Tip-Off in New York.
  • In 2002, Notre Dame played UConn in a Big East matchup.
  • In 2003, Notre Dame faced Illinois in the NCAA Tournament.
  • In 2006, Notre Dame played Arizona in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

The players

LaPhonso Ellis

A Notre Dame player who scored 23 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in the 1992 game against Michigan.

Jalen Rose

A member of Michigan's 'Fab Five' who scored 20 points in the 1992 game against Notre Dame.

David Graves

A Notre Dame sophomore who scored 17 points and had 3 rebounds in the 1999 NIT game against Arizona.

Troy Murphy

A Notre Dame sophomore who had 22 points and 10 rebounds in the 1999 NIT game against Arizona.

Blake Wesley

A Notre Dame freshman who scored 24 points with 3 rebounds in a 2022 game against Illinois.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This was the first game that Michigan's 'Fab Five' all started together. All of them. Nervous? Hardly. The freshmen scored all 74 points, led by 20 from Jalen Rose. That's why this one mattered then and still matters now.”

— Tom Noie, Author

“Freshman guard Matt Carroll said three years later that Notre Dame was 'in awe' of being on this stage.”

— Matt Carroll, Notre Dame Freshman Guard

What’s next

The legacy of these historic matchups between Notre Dame and the Final Four teams will continue to be felt, as the Irish look to build on their storied basketball tradition and return to the national spotlight.

The takeaway

Notre Dame basketball's history against the 2026 Final Four teams shows the program's ability to compete with elite programs, even during periods of struggle. These memorable games highlight key moments in the evolution of college basketball and Notre Dame's own journey as a program, demonstrating the lasting impact of the Irish's basketball legacy.