Cole Certa’s Clutch 32-Point Overtime Masterpiece Shocks N.C. State in Thrilling Upset

What a rollercoaster Saturday night unfolded in South Bend — Cole Certa dropped a scorching 32 points, 12 of those lighting up overtime, while Jalen Haralson added a hefty 25 to power Notre Dame past N.C. State, 96-90. This loss? Ouch — it seriously shakes N.C. State’s chances at snagging a top-four finish in the ACC, a coveted spot that grants a sweet bye into the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Wolfpack, sitting at 19-10 overall and 10-6 in the conference, tumbled from a tie for fourth down to seventh place, just two games shy of season’s end. Certa’s recent scoring bursts, especially the three clutch 3-pointers in OT, kept the Fighting Irish ahead when it mattered most — and while N.C. State never trailed during regulation, late-game heroics by Braeden Shrewsberry and Haralson tied the game, setting the stage for a nail-biter finish. Senior day added a sentimental touch as the Fighting Irish evened the all-time series with N.C. State at 11 wins apiece. With the race to the postseason heating up, both teams are gearing up for crucial clashes in the final stretch — it’s do or die from here. LEARN MORE