Eric Atkins collected 26 points and six assists and Jack Cooley added 22 points and 14 rebounds off the bench as host Notre Dame survived a test from Maine, 87-78, on Thursday.

Alex Dragicevich chipped in 14 points for the Fighting Irish (6-4), who had dropped four of their previous five games.

Neither school showed much interest in playing defense until the final few minutes, when Notre Dame locked down and held the Black Bears scoreless for nearly five minutes.

The Irish used that time to extend its lead, going from a one-point edge to an 83-72 advantage with 1:19 remaining. Atkins and Jerian Grant each hit a 3-pointer during the spurt.

Maine finally broke its drought with a layup but could not get back in the game as Notre Dame sealed it at the free throw line.

The Black Bears were shooting over 60 percent through the first 35 minutes. The Irish had no answer for guards Gerald McLemore and Justin Edwards, who finished with a combined 47 points.

Notre Dame improved to 6-0 at home and hosts Dartmouth on Saturday. The Irish will get another chance to prove they can beat a major-conference team at Indiana on Dec. 17.