QUINCY, Ill. - Quincy University opened its exhibition season with a date at the University of Notre Dame at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center in South Bend, Ind. Monday (Oct. 29) night.
The Irish, picked to finish third in the Big East Conference, opened the game with a 19-2 run and went on to secure a 111-52 win over the Hawks. It was the second time in four years the Hawks have played at Notre Dame in the exhibition season.
Quincy was led by nine points each from Geoffrey Hartlieb (three 3-pointers) and Jens Kennedy (4-for-5 from the field) as no player for QU played more than 21 minutes. This game was more about process over results as the Hawks ran into an Irish team that was ranked No. 22 nationally in the preseason.
Notre Dame was led by preseason All-Big East first teamer Jack Cooley, who finished with 21 points and eight rebounds. In total, six UND players finished in double-figures, including Jerian Grant (19) and Eric Atkins (17).
Before the game, QU head coach Marty Bell stressed that the opportunity to play against a high-profile team on the road presented a unique challenge to his program and the players. Bell went 14 players deep in his rotation on Monday night.
The Hawks were able to simulate a typical road trip and game day that they will encounter throughout the GLVC season, only this time against a Division I school from a major conference in their building.
The Hawks were able to get some good looks against the Irish, but connected on just 32.7 percent (18-for-55) of their shots from the field. Meanwhile, the Irish connected at a 62.3 percent (43-for-69) clip and hit 11 3-pointers.
Scott Hahn added eight points on 3-for-5 shooting, including two 3-pointers, and Chris Babbitt scored five points - all from the line - in the game. The Hawks were out-rebounded, 44-21.
Quincy will continue its exhibition season on Sunday (Nov. 4) it travels to Iowa City, Iowa to battle the University of Iowa in the second of three exhibition games against Division I opponents. The Hawks and Hawkeyes will tip-off at 1 p.m., followed by the women's game at 3:30 p.m.
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