Dec. 31, 2007

Notre Dame North Florida Box Score

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – Rob Kurz had 23 points and a career-high 13 rebounds to help Notre Dame overcome a lethargic start and beat North Florida 77-58 on Monday.

The Osprey outrebounded the Irish 21-13 in the first half and trailed 27-18 at halftime. But Kurz scored six points, including a pair of dunks, during a 16-0 run early in the second half as the Irish took control.

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.

Kurz, who fell two points shy of his career-high for points, scored 10 points in the first half while the other four Irish starters combined for just 15 and the Irish were 3-of-12 from 3-point range.

After making 2-of-6 shots in the first half with just one rebound, Luke Harangody was 6-of-9 shooting in the second half with five rebounds, and finished with 22 points. Stan Januska led the Ospreys with 14 points and Tom Hammonds added 12.

The Irish outshot the Ospreys 44 percent to 36 percent and finished with a 41-38 rebounding advantage.

The Irish struggled early, with the Ospreys leading by two points three times before Kurz hit a 3-poinger to put the Irish ahead 14-11 and spark a 9-2 run. The Ospreys made just two of its final 12 shots in the half and never threatened again.

The Irish were without backup forward Zach Hillesland, who sprained his ankle Saturday against Brown. He is expected to be ready for Thursday’s game against West Virginia.