BULLDOGS WIN 1ST CONTEST IN 2ND HALF

NEW MADRID -- The Notre Dame Bulldogs opened their basketball season with a 72-52 win over Meridian (Ill.) in the Riverbend Classic Friday.

Zach Miller scored 20 points and Jason Rubel added 17 to pace the Bulldogs. Josh Eftink and Nick Dannenmueller both totaled 10.

Notre Dame led only 26-23 at halftime before scoring 22 and 24 points in the final two quarters. The Bulldogs outscored Meridian 24-8 in the final quarter.

"We had a good second half," said Notre Dame coach Chris Janet. "Our pressure hurt them late and we finished real strong."

In earlier Classic games, Cardinal Ritter beat Cairo, Vashon beat host New Madrid and Charleston topped Seagoville (Texas).

Action continues today at New Madrid High School.