SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Eric Atkins scored 16 points and Notre Dame beat No. 8 Kentucky 64-50 on Thursday night for its 41st victory in the past 42 home games.

Jack Cooley and Jerian Grant each had 13 points for the Fighting Irish (7-1), who opened an 11-point lead by halftime and were never threatened the rest of the way.

Notre Dame outplayed Kentucky (4-2) inside during the first half and held the Wildcats to a season-low 40 percent shooting for the game. Students rushed the floor after the Irish wrapped up their second win over the Wildcats in the past 13 meetings.

After struggling early, the Irish made 9 of 10 shots during a 24-11 run at the end of the first half and Kentucky couldn't get any closer than 10 points in the second half.

Julius Mays led Kentucky with 16 points and Nerlens Noel had 10.