Notre Dame shot 39.6 percent in its second-worst showing at home all season.

Confounded by Seton Hall's matchup zone, the Irish shot 32 percent in the first half — a low at home and the worst first-half effort since late November, but bounced back behind a 13-0 burst early in the second half to erase Seton Hall's 11-point lead for good.

Similar inconsistency won't suffice against Villanova on Monday, nor in the postseason. The message just happened to arrive in some nice wrapping.

"Human nature is human nature," Irish coach Mike Brey mused. "Maybe we learned a lesson inexpensively."

For the last five games, Notre Dame has really liked the road, and really early.

“We really just try to jump on teams early,” said freshman guard Eric Atkins. “First four minutes of the game, we try to make the other team call the first timeout. That's our key.”

By the time the first media timeout arrives, the Irish have led in all five road games. Notre Dame was up by three at Pittsburgh, by five at DePaul, by six at South Florida and by two in Saturday's loss at West Virginia.

“Making shots,” said coach Mike Brey. “I don't mean to over-simplify it, but let's call it what it is. When we can make some shots early, you feel good about yourself, you don't necessarily let a home crowd or a home team get in too good a rhythm.

“It kind of sets the tone for you.”

Marshon Brooks scored a Big East-record 52 points, but Providence was edged out by No. 9 Notre Dame 94-93 on Wednesday night.

"I'm thrilled that we escaped with a win," Irish coach Mike Brey said. "I don't know if I've ever seen a performance like that by a young man. That was outstanding."

The 52 points was the most ever scored against Notre Dame, which hadn't allowed a 40-point scorer since Danny Manning in 1987.

"It really hasn't hit me yet. When I get home and sit down it will. Fifty-two against Notre Dame is a nice game," Brooks said. "I was feeling it. It was going to be tough to stop me."

Brooks scored 35 points in the second half.

Notre Dame coach Mike Brey, Michigan coach John Beilein and Oregon State assistant David Grace were in attendance on Tuesday for Pike's 83-79 win over Hamilton Southeastern.

Marquis Teague of Pike had 21 points and five assists, shooting 8-for-16 from the floor. Teague will attend Kentucky in the fall.

Pike junior R.J. Hunter had 23 points on 8-for-13 shooting from the floor and 3-for-7 from distance. He also had nine rebounds.

Gary Harris of Hamilton Southeastern had 28 points, but needed 29 shots to get there. Harris is one of the top recruits of the 2012 incoming class and is undecided.

Sophomore Zak Irvin scored 15 points and is considered one of the top recruits of 2013.