Nov. 3, 2005

The University of Notre Dame men’s basketball team began the 2005-06 exhibition season with a 59-40 victory over Lewis University in front of 9,701 at the Joyce Center Thursday night. Senior guard Chris Quinn overcame a tough shooting night to lead the Irish with 14 points, while junior Russell Carter added 11 points.

Lewis, a Division II school out of Illinois, stayed with the Irish in the first half by taking advantage of some poor shooting statistics. Notre Dame was only able to shoot 25 percent in the first half, while Lewis was not much better at 35 percent. Senior Pat Monaghan eventually led the Flyers with a game-high 17 points.

Notre Dame recovered to shoot 52 percent and outscore the Flyers by 18 points in the second half to secure the victory. Overall, 10 players saw action for the Irish, including freshmen Kyle McAlarney, Zach Hillesland, Luke Zeller and Ryan Ayers. McAlarney and Zeller saw the most time in the contest, providing the Irish a lift off the bench. McAlarney scored seven points, dished out three assists and posted three steals in 18 minutes, while Zeller chipped in four points with three assists, four rebounds and two blocks.

With the score knotted at 26-26 just over two minutes into the second half, the Irish went on a 13-2 run to assume control over the contest. Notre Dame blocked five shots in the five-minute run, which was highlighted by a three-point play on the fast break by Quinn.

Notre Dame’s starting lineup ended up as sophomore Rob Kurz, senior Torin Francis, senior Chris Quinn, junior Colin Falls and junior Russell Carter.

Notre Dame will return to the court in exhibition play on Friday, Nov. 11, at 9 p.m. in the Joyce Center. That game will take place after the Notre Dame – Navy football game pep rally.