Aug. 17, 2008
BELFAST, Northern Ireland – Notre Dame topped the 100-point mark for the second straight game and six players scored in double figures as the Irish rolled to an impressive 123-77 victory over the Irish All-Stars at Antrim Forum in Belfast on Sunday afternoon (Aug. 17).
Playing before an appreciative crowd of nearly 700 fans, the Irish improved to 2-0 on its Ireland tour. Notre Dame shot 56.5 percent from the field and 48.2 percent from three-point range as the Irish connected on 14 three-pointers in the contest.
Luke Harangody and Zach Hillesland each scored 19 points and grabbed eight rebounds to lead the Irish in both scoring and rebounding, while Kyle McAlarney nailed six three pointers to finish with 18 points and a game-high four assists.
Luke Zeller had another solid outing for the Irish as he came off the bench to score 15 points and grab seven rebounds. Carleton Scott also was impressive for the second straight game as he netted 15 points and grabbed five rebounds.
Tory Jackson had a strong second half effort for the second consecutive game as he finished with 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished off three assists and made two steals.
After a slow first quarter and leading just 25-19 after 10 minutes, Notre Dame used a strong defensive effort and a better shooting performance in the second quarter to push its lead to 50-36 at the break. Harangody led the Irish with 13 at the break, while McAlarney chipped in 12.
Notre Dame exploded for 41 points in the third quarter, outscoring the Irish All-Stars 41-26 to take a 91-61 lead into the fourth quarter. Hillesland and Zeller each scored 11 points in the third quarter to lead an impressive scoring display as Notre Dame was clicking at both ends of the court and once again displayed an unselfish brand of basketball that had the All-Stars guessing on the defensive end. In addition, Notre Dame tenacity on the offensive boards proved to be too much for the Irish All-Stars to handle.
Scott scored nine of his 15 points in the fourth quarter. His three-pointer with 8:05 remaining in the game was Notre Dame’s 101st point of the contest.
Notre Dame owned a decisive 49-36 advantage on the boards. The only are in which the Irish seemed to falter was at the free-throw line as they converted just 11-21 for 52.3 percent.
Ireland’s Kevin Foley led the All-Stars with a game-high 26 points.
“Once again, I was pleased with the unselfishness of our basketball team,” Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey said. “We’re playing like and experienced group who has played a lot of basketball together. Our willingness to distribute the basketball and make the extra pass continues to be one of the great strengths of our team.
“We looking forward to challenge tomorrow night against Poland. They are an experienced and older group of players who are going to pose a great test for us.”
Notre Dame will remain in Belfast for one more game and will face Poland on Monday evening (Aug. 18) at the Antrim Forum.
— ND —
NOTE: Interviews with Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey and players Luke Harangody and Tory Jackson following Sunday’s game are being made available by the generosity of Basketball Ireland at www.irishsport.tv.