Dec. 22, 2004
SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Chris Quinn scored 21 points and Chris Thomas had 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds to lead Notre Dame to an 88-73 victory over Marist on Wednesday night.
The Fighting Irish (6-2) jumped to a 10-point lead midway through the first half and the Red Foxes (4-6) never seriously threatened. Led by Quinn’s 7-of-8 shooting, including making all four of his 3-point attempts, the Irish shot a season-high 51 percent from the field.
Notre Dame blocked seven shots as Marist shot 40 percent.
Torin Francis added 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and eight rebounds and Dennis Latimore had 10 points as Notre Dame outscored Marist 30-20 inside. Despite the size advantage by Notre Dame, the Red Foxes outrebounded the Irish 38-36.
Jared Jordan led Marist with 17 points and Will Whittington, held scoreless in the first half, hit four 3-pointers in the final five minutes to finish with 16 points. Ryan Stilphen added 14 points.
The Irish took control in the first half then cruised through the second half. Quinn scored 13 points in the first half, leading the Irish to a 40-26 halftime lead.
The Red Foxes narrowed the lead to 21-16 when Stilphen scored inside midway through the half. Quinn then helped spark a 13-5 run, hitting a 12-foot jumper on a shot he was fouled on. Quinn missed the free throw, but got the rebound, bounced the ball once and hit a 16-foot jumper.
The Irish extended the lead to 21 points, 62-41, when Falls hit a 3-pointer midway through the second half. Marist never got closer than 12 points.
TOM COYNE
AP Sports Writer