Sluggish Notre Dame tops No. Florida

Posted December 31, 2007 10:00 pm

Associated Press

Notre Dame didn't look Monday like a team ready to begin Big East play.

Playing against a North Florida squad that may be the weakest opponent on Notre Dame's schedule, the Fighting Irish didn't look ready to play anyone early. The Irish allowed the Ospreys to outrebound them 21-13 in the first half before coming out with a better effort in the second half to win 77-58.

Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said the Irish probably were looking ahead some to Thursday, when they open the Big East season at home against West Virginia.

"As much as you try to fight that as a coach, human nature says they know what's coming. And we all know what's coming," Brey said. "So we have two days to get ready for the marathon of 18 league games."

Rob Kurz shot 7-of-11 from the field, including 3-of-5 from 3-point range, to finish with 23 points. He added a career-high 13 rebounds.

Notre Dame (10-2) won its eighth straight and its 28th straight at home. North Florida (1-11) lost its ninth straight and its 40th straight road game and is off to the worst start in school history.

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.