SOUTH BEND, Ind.- The Caldwell University men's basketball team took an early lead but fell to the nationally ranked University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish 81-56 on Thursday night at the Purcell Pavilion.

Caldwell got off to a strong start as they connected on four of their first six shots to jump out to an 8-2 lead in the first 3:16 of the contest. Notre Dame scored the next seven points to go up one  but freshman Thomas Elliott-Smith (Plymouth, England) put Caldwell back in the lead by one at 10-9 at the 13:49 mark.

The Fighting Irish netted the next 10 points to pull ahead but the Cougars held their own as they trailed by five twice late into the opening half.

Caldwell was led by Dawan Lighty (Paterson, NJ) who dropped in a team-best 15 points along with seven rebounds and three steals. Senior Billy McDonald (North Haven, CT) chipped in 10 points and six boards, while Vin O'Beirne (Wood-Ridge, NJ) added six points and five rebounds. Senior Salvatore Vitello (Bridgewater, NJ) posted eight points and four rebounds.

In his post game press conference, Head Coach Mark Corino said, "we greatly appreciate the opportunity that Coach Brey and the basketball program gave our institution and our kids this evening. I think it's something they will appreciate for the rest of their lives."

The Cougars wrap up their Midwest trip on Saturday, November 7 when they face DePaul University in an exhibition game at 1 pm.