(Notre Dame) — Halftime adjustments can be an overrated part of sports.

Unless they work.

Micah Shrewsberry saw his Notre Dame team tighten up its defense in the second half, using a 17-2 burst out of the locker room to subdue pesky Buffalo, 86-77, at Purcell Pavilion Monday night. The win makes the Irish 2-0 on the season.

Tae Davis scored a career-high 27, including 12-of-13 at the foul line. Penn alum Markus Burton flirted with a triple-double, recording 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists, while teammate Braeden Shrewsberry also tallied 19 points.

The Irish started the night strong, building a 20-12 lead on a poster dunk by St. Joe High School alum J.R. Konieczny, who finished with eight points and six rebounds. The Bulls responded with a 9-0 run, keyed by Ryan Sabol, who finished with a team high 18 points.

The two teams continued to trade surges in the first half, with Buffalo taking a 40-38 halftime lead. That’s when Braeden Shrewsberry heated up, burying a pair of threes in the first five minutes of the second half to give the Irish a lead they would not relinquish.

“Early on in the year, this is when you got to be a group that shows a little resolve at times,” said Coach Shrewsberry. “Last year, we’re losing this game. I can tell you that right now.”

The Irish will use the rest of the week to prepare for their first road game of the season, visiting Georgetown Saturday on NBC.