LAS VEGAS (AP/WNDU) - The Notre Dame men’s basketball team opened its trip to Las Vegas with a loss, falling to Kansas 71-61 in the Players Era Tournament on Monday.

Notre Dame (4-2) got as close as four points in the second half, but the Jayhawks (4-2) were able to fend the Irish off and pick up their first power-conference victory of the season.

Markus Burton led Notre Dame with 24 points and Jalen Haralson added 13.

Flory Bidunga had 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists and five blocks to lead Kansas. Bryson Tiller added 17 points and nine boards, Tre White chipped in with 16 points and nine rebounds, and Melvin Council Jr. scored 12.

Monday’s matchup was the first time Notre Dame and Kansas had met on the gridiron since Jan. 23, 1988 — a Notre Dame 80-76 win at home.

The Irish w

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