Luke Harangody didn't have to play Wednesday night in an exhibition game against St. Edward's (Texas). Coming off a thumb injury that landed him in a cast for the better part of three weeks, it would have been safer just to keep him on the sideline a little while longer.

But while Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson bring energy to the floor, Rob Kurz provides the consistency, Ryan Ayers supplies the length, and Zach Hillesland adds a little bit of everything, Harangody brings a "grit your teeth" determination that lifted the Irish out of a sluggish performance against a capable Hilltoppers squad.

"It was great to have him back," said Kurz, who scored 13 of his 15 points and grabbed six of his nine rebounds in the first half to give the Irish a 10-point halftime cushion.

"It's amazing how quickly (Harangody) came back, but we kind of expect that from him. He's a big-time player and I'm just happy to have him back out there on the floor. He adds another weapon for us."

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