"Sometimes that does change the vibe."

The two free throws for the technical foul increased the Pitt lead to 19-3, but the Irish began their comeback at that point, scoring 10 straight points to get back in the game.

By halftime, Notre Dame trailed by just three.

Notes: Monday was the third game in six days for Notre Dame, which has the next five days off. ... Both teams were coming off league losses Saturday . . . The Irish came into the game 0-2 in Big Monday games. ... Notre Dame had lost its last two league road games by 16 and 17 points . . . Monday's game was the 200th in the history of the Petersen Events Center . . .. Entering Monday's action, Cooley had 18 double doubles this season, 31 for his career. He fell one rebound short of a double double on Monday ... The Irish entered the game leading the league in assists (17.9) and were second nationally.