Freshman point guard Tory Jackson added 14 points, five rebounds and four assists in his second start for No. 17 Notre Dame (13-1), which has won 12 straight for the first time in nearly 33 years.

"I'm surprised they're not ranked higher because of the way they execute and shoot the basketball," Louisville coach Rick Pitino said. "They're a legitimate contender. They're very good."

The Irish had little luck on the football field, though. They were blown out 41-14 by LSU at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, their ninth straight bowl loss — more than any other school.

Back on campus in South Bend, Ind., the basketball game was moved up to 6 p.m. EST to accommodate fans who wanted to watch the Sugar Bowl at 8 p.m. The Joyce Center, nearly filled at the start, was half empty at the final buzzer thanks to Notre Dame's large lead.

"This wasn't a crowd that was going to scare the hell out of you," Pitino said. "It was more Notre Dame's talent and ability to execute than it was being away from home. It's just their team — they're very, very good. Some places you go, they're hanging from the rafters and every play is difficult. That would be the case if they didn't have a football game."

Jackson was thrown into the starting lineup after Kyle McAlarney was arrested on a marijuana possession charge last week and suspended indefinitely.

"What can we say about the young point guard we rushed in there?" Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said. "He's a warrior, and I'm proud of him. This is a big maturing process for him."

Rob Kurz added 10 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Irish improved to 11-0 at home.

Terrence Williams led the Cardinals (10-5) with 18 points. It was Louisville's worst loss of the season and it snapped a five-game winning streak.