No. 20 Notre Dame pounds Portland

Rob Kurz added 21 points and 11 rebounds for the red-hot Fighting Irish (9-1), who has won eight straight contests. Luke Harangody chipped in with 12 points off the bench.

Brian McTear netted 14 points and dished out six assists for the Pilots (2-11), who lost their eighth straight game. Darren Cooper tallied 11 points and pulled down six rebounds.

The Pilots hung in during the first half and were down just six, 35-29, entering the final frame. But, the Fighting Irish quickly distanced themselves. Kyle McAlarney drained a three to put Notre Dame up by double- digits, 42-32, less than 2 1/2 minutes into the half.

Portland wouldn’t give in, however. Cooper connected on a three of his own, with 10:49 left, to make it a 56-51 game.

The Irish then answered and put things away with a 14-5 flurry. Tory Jackson’s triple capped the burst and put Notre Dame on top, 70-56, with 6 1/2 minutes to go.

Notre Dame coasted to the finish line from there.

Game Notes

Notre Dame is a perfect 5-0 in the all-time series...The Irish had 10 steals in the game to just one for Portland...The Pilots were 6-of-10 from long range in the contest.