As always in the Big East, it wasn't easy, but the Notre Dame Fighting Irish held on at home to beat the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 69-66, Saturday night in South Bend, Ind.
No. 20 Notre Dame vs. Rutgers final score: Irish survive test from Rutgers, 69-66
It was a typical night in the Big East for Notre Dame, who was forced to play a full 40 minutes at home against Rutgers, but pulled out the 69-66 victory.
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The Fighting Irish led by seven at the half, but the Scarlet Knights would not go away. After Notre Dame opened up a 13-point lead with 15 minutes to go, it only took four minutes for Rutgers to pull within four points. From there, the Irish would cling to a narrow advantage to escape with the victory.
Jack Cooley once again proved why he's one of the most effective big men in the Big East with a 19-point, 10-rebound performance for the Irish. He was one of three Notre Dame players in double figures. Jerian Grant had nine points and 10 assists.
Eli Carter led Rutgers with 20 points, while Dane Miller had seven points, nine rebounds and five assists.
The game was in doubt even in the final seconds as Rutgers kept it close and had a chance to win it following a steal by Mike Poole with eight seconds to go. After that though, Carter picked up an offensive foul, allowing Notre Dame to hang on.
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