SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Most coaches might not like the 18-foot baseline jumper Russell Carter quickly took when he was defended with 2 minutes left. However, it's a shot Notre Dame's Mike Brey wants Carter to take.

"In the old coach's manual that's not a good shot. But he's got to take it," Brey said. "Because he was rolling and you've got to cut him loose and let him go."

Carter's shot followed his career-high sixth 3-pointer, starting a 14-0 run en route to the Irish's 99-85 victory over No. 4 Alabama on Thursday night.

Just like a year ago, when Notre Dame upset a then-No. 22 Alabama 78-71, 3-pointers were key. Last year, Colin Falls hit six in the first half to get the Irish going. On Thursday, Notre Dame (7-1) was 12-of-28 from beyond the arc.

"I really didn't do anything different," Carter said. "I just took it upon myself to be more aggressive."