Feb. 05--SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- On Wednesday night, Notre Dame senior Pat Connaughton wore his Batman socks.
At least in the early minutes against Boston College, it was as if Connaughton had basketball superpowers as he raced out to 10 quick points.
But the caped crusader act wouldn't last long for Connaughton, who would score only two points the rest of the night, and his teammates followed suit.
Notre Dame was supposed to beat overwhelmed Boston College, but what was important for the Irish was the manner in which they did it, especially after slipping to a struggling Pittsburgh team on the road.
To that end, it was a mixed performance for the Irish, who watched a 25-point lead dwindle to six late in the second half before surviving 71-63.
And Connaughton's night was a microcosm for the Irish's night -- a fast start before a landing back to Earth with a thud. He finished with 12 points while Jerian Grant had 17 points and seven assists while Steve Vasturia added 17. Zach Auguste added 16.
Olivier Hanlan had 28 points for the Eagles on 11 of 16 shooting, including three consecutive 3-pointers to cut the Notre Dame lead to six late in the second half.
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Twitter @ChristopherHine
