SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) — Ben Hansbrough scored 16 of his 20 points in a first half dominated by Notre Dame as they Irish routed Georgia Southern 98-61 on Friday night in the season opener for both teams.
Notre Dame ran off the first 11 points before two free throws by Eric Ferguson got Georgia Southern on the board at the 16:32 mark. The Irish immediately went on a 19-1 tear, and by the time Ferguson hit a layup at 11:53, the score was 30-5.
Coach Mike Brey’s squad ran off a 28-7 streak and at halftime Notre Dame led 62-23.
Ferguson led all scorers with 26 and teammate Rory Spencer added 18. Jack Cooley added 11 for Notre Dame, which started five seniors and outrebounded the Eagles 47-26.
