The Fighting Irish faced a determined effort by their outmanned opponent early and were tied at 11 with 10:49 left in the first half before McAlarney sank the first of his nine three-pointers to give them a 14-11 lead, one they never relinquished.

Notre Dame led 37-22 at the break and did not face a challenge in the second stanza.

Ryan Ayers scored 19 with three rebounds, and Tory Jackson added 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists for the Fighting Irish (5-1), who played their first game without star forward Luke Harangody (pneumonia).

Furman was led by Justin Dehm's 14 points.

Brandon Sebirumbi scored 12 with 10 rebounds, while two others scored in double figures for the Paladins (1-4), who shot just 38.1 percent from the floor.