The Irish lost to the Tar Heels 81-64 and fell to 8-8 on the season and 0-5 in conference play, which is tied for the program's worst start in the ACC since joining for the 2013-14 season.
The Irish ran away from the Spartans, picking up a resume-boosting victory. Dating back to last season, Notre Dame has won 11 straight games at Purcell Pavilion.
The Fighting Irish blew a 10-point lead by allowing Lipscomb to shoot 76 percent from the field in the second half, but Dane Goodwin saved the day by hitting a three-pointer with 14 seconds left in the contest.