Purdue Fort Wayne
Notre Dame
Irish Dominate Mastodons
11/12/2006 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 10, 2006
Notre Dame, IN -The Notre Dame Fighting Irish made it quite clear, early on, that there would be no upset in the season opener for both squads on Friday night at the Joyce Center. The Irish dominated all facets of the game in stopping IPFW, 92-49.
Notre Dame used a smothering defense and 22 combined points from senior guard Russell Carter and sophomore forward Zach Hillesland to open up a 55-23 lead at the half.
The Irish picked up IPFW in full court pressure, causing the 'Dons to turn the ball over 10 times in the opening half.
In the second half, it was the forward rotation of Hillesland, Luke Zeller, Rob Kurz, and Luke Harangody that kept IPFW from any thoughts of closing the gap and making a comeback.
Notre Dame finished the evening shooting 54 percent, while holding IPFW to 8-30 from the floor (27.4%).
Interior scoring, transition offense, and swarming defense turned the trick for ND.
"We didn't expect to come out and play this well tonight," Irish head coach Mike Brey said.
"If we bring this kind of energy to the table, we are going to have some fun this year...we really are."
"Coach Brey has really done a good job with his kids, and that's a sign of a good coach," IPFW head coach Dane Fife said.
"But, we have to instill in our players a competitive nature. If Notre Dame competes like they did tonight all season, I think they will have a chance in the BIG EAST."
Carter led all scorers with 20 points on 7-15 shooting. He was one of four Irish to tally in double figures. Kurz added 16 and 12 boards, Harangody tossed in 12, and Hillesland finished with 11 points and 12 rebounds.
IPFW was paced by junior forward Zeljko Egeric with 11 points and six rebounds.
The Mastodons will try to regroup and get ready for a week of action that begins on Monday night with the 'Dons home opener against Valparaiso. Game time is 7pm.
~Dons~
