SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- The Notre Dame Falcons put on a shooting display in the first half of Wednesday evening's contest against Cincinnati Christian at Murphy Gymnasium, as they shot 64.5 percent (20-for-31) from the floor in the opening stanza to establish an early lead in a 97-79 victory. (Box)

For the Falcons (3-5), the victory snapped a two game losing skid, and marked their second at home this season. Their 97 points were also a season high. For the Eagles (4-10), the loss was their fourth in a row.

#Rodney Mickens# caught fire early on, scoring eight of Notre Dame's first 11 points. Mickens scored 13 of his 18 points in the first half, on a 5-for-5 shooting performance. Notre Dame established control early on by taking an 11-6 lead, and the Eagles were only able to close the gap a couple of times. CCU pulled within five (31-26) at the 8:56 mark, but the Falcons went on a 12-0 run over the next three minutes to take an enormous lead, and never looked back. The Falcons hit on 60.0 percent (6-for-10) of their 3-pointers in the first half, and took at 55-37 lead into the locker room at the break.

While it was NDC's offense that stepped up in the early goings, it was their defense in the second half that kept them ahead. The Falcons were able to hold the Eagles to a 32.4 percent (12-for-37) clip from the floor in the second stanza. The Eagles were never able to close the gap, as Notre Dame kept the pressure on, and never led by any less than 13 the rest of the way.

Notre Dame used a balanced scoring attack, with five Falcons registering double digit scoring performances. #Eric Dummermuth# led the way with 22 points, and added 16 rebounds, while #Taylor Rieger# added 20 points and four assists. Mickens finished with 18 points on a perfect 6-for-6 shooting performance, while #Nate Ensz# turned in his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 11 rebounds, and #Curtis McClure# finished the night with 14 points and three steals. The Falcons shot 56.5 percent (35-for-62) from the floor on the night, and outrebounded the Eagles, 49-31.

The Eagles had three players in double figures, including Corey Evans, who led all scorers with 31 points, and added five assists and four steals. Josh Reid added a dozen points for the Eagles, while Mohammed Fall contributed with 11 points, and led the team with six rebounds.

“I'm very happy for our guys, they really deserved a win,” said Head Coach #Kevin Bille#. “It wasn't the prettiest 40 minutes, but it was good to get a great start and play with a lead for once.”


The Blue & White will return to action on Saturday, Dec. 11. They will participate in the Mercyhurst tournament in Erie, Pa. The Falcons will square off against Washington Adventist (Pa.), and the tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m.


NOTES FROM THE NEST:

TOUGH ROAD AHEAD: Saturday's contest will begin a string of four consecutive road games for the Falcons. Notre Dame will play in the Mercyhurst Tournament next weekend, and will follow with a matchup against No. 19 ranked (NAIA Coaches Poll) Indiana Wesleyan, before wrapping up the road swing with an AMC matchup against Mount Vernon Nazarene five days before Christmas.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARENT FREE: The Falcons have struggled at the free throw line this season, shooting 62.0 percent (98-for-158) from the charity stripe. Over their last three games, the Falcons have hit on just 54.7 percent (29-for-53) of their foul shots.

BOARDWALK: The Falcons have been able to crash the glass with ease in the early stages of the young season. Heading into Wednesday's game, Notre Dame ranked 16th in the nation in total rebounds, with 43.0 rpg. The Falcons are also in the nation's top 25 in both offensive and defensive rebounds per game. The Falcons rank 19th in the nation in offensive rebounding with 15.0 orpg, and 24th in defensive rebounding with 28.0 drpg. Notre Dame's rebound margin of 5.3 rpg currently ranks 37th in the nation.