The Fighting Irish prevailed last night over the Chicago State Cougars 106-62 at Purcell Pavilion, in the Joyce Center. Ben Hansborough led the Irish with a game-best 22 points and career best six three-pointers.

Three other Fighting Irish chipped in with triple doubles including G Tim Abromaitis (21 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists), F Carleton Scott (career-high 17 points and 10 rebounds) and F Tyrone Nash (11 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists). Abromomaitis and Nash both flirted with getting the second triple double in team history last night.

Surprisingly the game was a closely fought contest.

Chicago State’s leading scorer Christian Wall tied up the score 26-26 with two free throws at 10:58 to go in the first half. The Irish then pulled away with the lead for good.

Carleton Scott’s jumper put the team ahead, 30-26, and the lead was extended further with a Abromaitis layup (33-26). Ben Hansborough’s three pointer gave the Irish a sizeable 41-28 lead, capping a 22-2 run for the fighting Irish that amounted to a 48-28 slaughter by Notre Dame.

Notre Dame’s team-oriented, selfless play was mirrored in the stat sheet. Along with 59 rebounds (20 offensive) the fighting Irish accumulated 29 assists. 

This was not overlooked by Chicago State’s coach Tracy Dildy "When you see 29 assists, that's unselfish, that's experience, that's guys playing together and winning,". "I'm a fan of this team."
This rout was Notre Dame’s first 40 point win since a December 8th, 2007 victory over Northern Illinois, 108-62.

The Fighting Irish continue their non-conference portion of their schedule with another home game against Maine Monday night. Tipoff is at 7:30 PM (ET).