‘Big 3’ help lift Orange past Irish

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Getting potent production from his Big Three of Elijah Hughes, Oshae Brissett and Tyus Battle — like he got Saturday — is going to prove a necessity more than a luxury this season, according to Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim.

Hughes, a junior guard, had career highs of 22 points and 10 rebounds, and the Orange dominated down the stretch in a 72-62 victory over Notre Dame.

Brissett, a sophomore, added 19 points and 11 boards, while Battle, a junior, scored 17 points as Syracuse (10-4) won its Atlantic Coast Conference opener and third straight overall.

“They have to show up,” Boeheim said of the trio. “If they don't, we aren't going to win. We depend on those guys.”

Hughes, who has scored at least 15 points in his last seven games, drained 6 of 13 3-pointers.

T.J. Gibbs had 18 points, five assists and sank a career-best six 3-pointers on 13 attempts for the Fighting Irish (10-5, 0-2). John Mooney chipped in his seventh double-double with 14 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.

Notre Dame, though, virtually disappeared with game on the line.

The Orange, unfazed by playing just their second true road game, outscored Notre Dame 10-1 late to turn a 60-58 lead with 6 minutes, 19 seconds to play into a 70-59 spread with less than one minute remaining.

The Irish made just one of their final 11 shots.