Notre Dame beats IUPUI 93-70; Hansbrough scores 22
SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Notre Dame didn't wait until the second half to get going against IUPUI.
The usually slow-starting Fighting Irish (9-1), who hadn't led by double digits at halftime since their season opener, used an 11-0 run early in the first half and another near the end of the half to take control en route to a 93-70 victory over IUPUI on Wednesday night.
"We talked about coming out of the gate strong, which we have not done the past few games where we have been tied or down at halftime," said Luke Harangody, who had 16 points and 11 rebounds. "Tonight was one of those nights where we kind of threw the first punch."
Notre Dame shot 53 percent in the first half while holding the Jaguars (7-3) to 26-percent shooting, opening a 45-22 halftime lead. Ben Hansbrough scored a season-high 22 points, a point off matching his career high, and Tim Abromaitis added 18 points in his second straight start.
"It was nice having a game where we did not have to really get stressed out for the second half," Abromaitis said. "I thought it was just a good effort tonight."
IUPUI coach Ron Hunter called it a missed opportunity for his team.
"We didn't come out ready to play," he said. "We didn't come out mentally ready to play, and they kind of jumped on us."
Robert Glenn led the Jaguars with 19 points, although he had just four points at halftime, and had eight rebounds. Alex Young added 18 points, Leroy Nobles scored 16 points and Billy Pettiford had 13.
The Irish dominated inside. They outscored the Jaguars 44-22 in the paint, had a 41-32 rebounding advantage and 10 blocked shots, five by Harangody.
"I just think it's big 'Gody inside, banging his body around. He's always going to be around in there," Hansbrough said.
Notre Dame coach Mike Brey was pleased with how his team passed, amassing a season-high 22 assists on 34 baskets.
"When you're playing against zone, you don't have a guy up in your face, it's a little bit like a quarterback having a lot of time back there," he said. "We've got guys who can find open people and continually do it."
Notre Dame is off to its best start since opening the 2006-07 season 13-1.
The announced crowd was 7,605, but attendance was actually much lower because of snow and gusting winds.