TicketsJan. 15, 2008
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - Luke Harangody scored 24 of his 25 points in the second half and Kyle McAlarney added 22 points as Notre Dame shook off a poor-shooting first half to beat Cincinnati 91-74 Tuesday night.
The Fighting Irish (13-3, 3-1 Big East), coming off their biggest loss in eight seasons under coach Mike Brey, had trailed only a total of 6:13 in 10 home games all season. But the Bearcats (8-9, 3-2) led most of the way until the Irish went on a 17-2 run with 16 minutes left in the game to take control.
Harangody, who was 0-for-5 from the floor in the first half, ignited the run when he drove the baseline and scored on a reverse layup to cut Cincinnati's lead to 42-39. After Harangody made a pair of free throws, Ryan Ayers stole the inbounds pass as Notre Dame pressed and scored to give the Irish a 43-42 lead. McAlarney then hit the first of his four second-half 3 pointers, and Harangody scored again on an 8-foot jumper.
The Irish finished the run with a pair of 3s by Luke Zeller and McAlarney.
McAlarney scored 15 points in the second half, finishing 5-of-8 from 3-point range. Harangody was 6-of-9 in the second half. Rob Kurz, who was 0-of-5 from the floor in the first half, finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Kurz was 8-of-9 from the free-throw line as the Irish were 34-of-42 on free throws. Cincinnati was just 8-of-11 from the free-throw line. Deonta Vaughn, John Williamson and Larry Davis had 10 points each for the Bearcats.
The Irish, who lost 99-62 to Marquette on Saturday, shot only 24 percent in the first half, but shot 69 percent in the second half to win their 31st straight at home.