SOUTH BEND, Ind., Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Jack Cooley scored 22 points Wednesday, 17 in the second half, to help break the game open and give No. 25 Notre Dame a 71-53 win over Rutgers.
Notre Dame has won seven in a row since losing to Rutgers Jan. 16. The Scarlet Knights put themselves in position for another upset against the Irish before Notre Dame went on a 13-3 run midway through the second period to take a 15-point advantage.
Cooley grabbed 18 rebounds for Notre Dame, which made 24 free throws to six for Rutgers. The Fighting Irish hit 7-of-16 from 3-point range.
Jerian Grant added 11 points for Notre Dame (18-8, 10-3 Big East Conference).
Dane Miller led the Scarlet Knights (12-14, 4-9) with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Since its win over Notre Dame, Rutgers has lost six out of seven and four in a row.
