Ogunbowale sets scoring record as Irish roll past Duke

SOUTH BEND, Ind. - While the Notre Dame women's basketball team focuses its attention on the ACC regular season title race, there was an understandable distraction in Thursday's home game against Duke.

Senior guard Arike Ogunbowale entered the contest just 12 points shy of passing Irish legend Skylar Diggins for the all-time scoring record.

She did just that, scoring her 12th point - and the 2,358th of her career - early in the second quarter, as her 25 points led the Irish to their 89-61 victory over the Blue Devils.

"I never would've though coming to this school that I'd be where I'm at right now," Ogunbowale said after the win. "It's just amazing to be at the top of the list, with all the great players to come through this school. It wasn't something I came in, saying 'I'm going to beat that.' I just wanted to come in and play basketball, and try to do whatever I could for the team. So to be in this position is amazing."

I can’t put into words how grateful I am to have my name listed with these incredible players that came before me. To my amazing teammates, coaches, and everyone who has supported me...THANK YOU! ☘️ pic.twitter.com/n6aUFwrvHg

— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) February 22, 2019

Those sentiments where echoed by head coach Muffet McGraw, who joked that she didn't necessarily know Ogunbowale would go on to set a record when she arrived in South Bend, but did figure she'd put up enough shots.

"I've really enjoyed coaching her," McGraw continued on a more serious note. "She's taught me a lot of things about being fearless and letting things go. I think she's left a mark on the program that will last forever. She'll be up in the rafters one day soon, and I couldn't be prouder of what she's accomplished here."

Notre Dame improved to 25-3, and 12-2 in the ACC. That conference mark has the Irish tied with Louisville in the regular season title race with just two games to play. The Irish will travel to play No. 18 Syracuse before heading home for senior night against Virginia next weekend.