By TOM COYNE
Associated Press

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – Natalie Achonwa had 23 points and nine rebounds, Lindsay Allen added a season-high 16 points and second-ranked Notre Dame shook off a slow start to beat Miami 79-52 Thursday night for its 21st straight home victory.

The Fighting Irish started 1 for 13 shooting, consistently missing inside, but finally got going after trailing by six. The Irish made 10 of their final 19 shots of the first half to open a 35-26 lead the break, and then began the second half with a 10-0 run to take control.

The Irish (18-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) are off to their best start since going 23-0 en route to the national championship in 2000-01. The Irish had a 53-35 rebounding edge and outscored the Hurricanes (11-8, 3-3) 44 to 22 in the paint.

Jassany Williams and Adrienne Motley led Miami (11-8, 3-3) with 10 points apiece as the Hurricanes shot 31 percent.

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