SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Ever since ACC play began, it has been lesson after lesson for Notre Dame men's basketball.

The Irish have struggled to figure things out, but after a strong weekend with a win over Georgia Tech and a close contest against a top-five Virginia team, it looked like things were finally trending upward entering Tuesday's home game against lowly Wake Forest.

However, the young Irish took a step back, again failing to make winning plays down the stretch. The Demon Deacons beat Notre Dame 75-68.

Notre Dame is next in action against No. 20 Virginia Tech on Saturday. Tip off at Purcell Pavilion is scheduled for 4 p.m.