Ben Hansbrough scored 20 points to lead Notre Dame past Georgia Southern 98-61 Friday in South Bend, Ind.

Hansbrough, the younger brother of former North Carolina star Tyler Hansbrough, came on strong at the end of last season. Playing alongside Luke Harangody, Hansbrough averaged 12.9 points per game last year for the Irish. He connected on 7-of-10 shots, including four 3-pointers, against Georgia Southern.

Jack Cooley added 11 for the Irish (1-0), which led by 39 at halftime and were never challenged.

But while Hansbrough started hot, leading returning scorer Tim Abromaitis did not. Abromaitis made only 2-of-12 shots, including 1-of-7 from the 3-point line and finished with 10 points.

Georgia Southern's Eric Ferguson had a big night for the Eagles, scoring a game-high 26 points, including a 14-for-16 performance from the foul line. Rory Spencer added 18, and Ben Drayton III had 10.

Notre Dame hosts Liberty Saturday. Georgia Southern will try to bounce back at home against Carver College on Monday.