Big Second Half Carries Notre Dame, 82-68

Tennessee Tech’s plan was simple: double team down low and try to force Notre Dame to make shots from outside.

It worked for one half.

But the No. 21 Irish made 61.3% of their shots in the second half Sunday, making 13 of their first 17 to spark a big run in an 82-68 victory at South Bend, Ind., that ended a two-game losing streak.

“I was waiting for one of those flurries that I’ve seen in practices and I’ve seen in a lot of games. It’s been a while,” Notre Dame Coach Mike Brey said. “That was good, a lightning-bolt flurry.”

The 35-9 run began with Ryan Humphrey and Troy Murphy scoring quick baskets underneath. Then David Graves, Matt Carroll and Martin Ingelsby started hitting from outside, with Carroll making three three-point shots, Ingelsby one and Graves scoring six points.

“They’ve got five guys on the court most of the time who can score,” said Tennessee Tech Coach Jeff Lebo, whose team is 3-4. “You’ve got to pick your poison with them.”

Graves led the Irish (5-2) with 20 points.

No. 15 North Carolina 95, Buffalo 74--Joseph Forte had 23 points and Kris Lang matched his career high with 22 to lead the Tar Heels (6-2) over the Bulls (1-4) at Chapel Hill, N.C.

Jason Capel had 16 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists for the second triple-double in North Carolina history. Brendan Haywood registered the first Dec. 4 against Miami.

The Tar Heels made a season-high 58% of their shots.

Ronald Curry, North Carolina’s starting quarterback, made his first start of the basketball season and third of his career at point guard, a position that has been a trouble spot so far for the Tar Heels. He scored nine points.