The Notre Dame Fighting Irish seized an early lead on the South Florida Bulls in the Big East Conference quarterfinals Thursday night at Madison Square Garden, taking a 28-26 lead into halftime.
The anticipated defensive showdown lived up to the expectations, with each team playing at a slow pace during the first 20 minutes. South Florida jumped ahead early, 20-8, but Notre Dame scored the next 18 points to wrench the lead away.
Anthony Collins led South Florida with 11 points on five of six shooting.
Scott Martin and Jerian Grant paced Notre Dame with 10 points apiece. Martin added five rebounds.
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