By Darek Sharp

Notre Dame started the second half on a 20-3 run, going on to defeat the Bulls 73-65 Saturday afternoon at the Sun Dome.

 USF had taken a 35-28 halftime lead over the 24th-ranked Irish. With Victor Rudd's dunk to start the second half the margin stood at nine, but the Irish caught fire.

 The Bulls are now last place in the Big East 1-6, and are 10-9 overall.

 With about five minutes left, USF had cut a 10-point margin down to 60-55. Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, with the crowd ready to explode, missed an open three what would have cut the lead to 60-58.

 Then came a comeback-ending sequence. On the other end Notre Dame missed and the ball came loose. A clear held-ball situation should have given USF possession but Anthony Collins was called for a foul, which replays showed was nonexistent. The Irish hit the resulting two free throws and were soon up nine.

Notre Dame led 24-18 in the first half before the Bulls outscored them 17-4. A Fitzpatrick 3 gave USF a 31-28 lead with 3:11 left and baskets by Javontae Hawkins and Rudd finished the half.

 With a renewed energy level the Irish took over the game in the first five minutes after halftime. Eric Atkins made two 3's then Pat Connaughton converted a go-ahead trey. Knight's follow dunk made it 45-40.

 Jerian Grant drilled a three to complete the 20-3 run. Grant also made two huge baskets in the final three minutes, both as the shot clock was winding down to restore the margin to nine each time.

 Grant led the Irish with 18 points and Tom Knight had 17 among four Irish in double figures. Jack Cooley pulled down 13 boards as the Irish outrebounded USF 30-16.

  Zach LeDay had a career-high 17 for the Bulls, with Anthony Collins scoring 12 to go with eight assists. Both Hawkins and Martino Brock hit for 11.

  Notre Dame shot 9-for-19 from long distance and hit 54 per cent from the floor.

  Jawanza Poland, normally a key contributor for the Bulls, was a no-show with zero points.