UConn is a mess right now.

The Huskies lost for the fifth time in seven games Sunday, dropping a 50-48 decision to Notre Dame in Hartford. It also was their second straight home loss.

They lack enthusiasm.

They lack a sense of urgency.

They lack leadership.

They lack direction.

Basically, they’re in trouble.

Some news, notes and quotes from Sunday’s dreadful performance:

-- UConn coach Jim Calhoun was very subdued on the sidelines. He sat down most of the game and remained pretty quiet.

“I tried to play as low-key as I could with them today,” Calhoun said. “I tried different things and none of them seem to work as well as I’d like.”

 -- Coach Mike Brey did a brilliant job slowing the game down to his team’s liking. The Fighting Irish ran down the shot clock and lulled the Huskies to sleep. It worked to perfection.

“They controlled the clock and controlled the ball and won the game,” Calhoun said.

Notre Dame avenged a 67-53 loss to UConn in South Bend on Jan. 14.

“We didn’t win any of the loose balls or rebounding battles in South Bend and that’s why they kind of pushed us around,” Brey said. “We were much more physical today and held our own.”

-- Freshman reserve Ryan Boatright returned after sitting out three games while the NCAA reviewed his eligibility. He had six points and two assists in 30 minutes off the bench.

He doesn’t expect any more issues with the NCAA.

“It’s finally over,” Boatright said. “We can finally put it behind us. We don’t have to worry about me getting pulled out again. We just have to use this to our advantage and come together as a team and make this last final run.”

Calhoun dismissed the suggestion that Boatright’s situation was a distraction to the team.

“I don’t think the team feels it, by any stretch of the imagination,” Calhoun said. “They’re glad to have him back. They didn’t seem that glad by the way they play. Ryan is a terrific kid. We’re glad to have him back on the team.”

 -- More Boatright on what he went through: “It’s been mentally draining. But I can finally say it is put behind me and I can move on. (The NCAA) shut the whole thing down. They don’t have any more questions about anything. I’m going by what they say and they it’s over with.”

 -- Sophomore Jeremy Lamb had a game-high 16 points. But he took only nine field goals, making six. He passed up several chances.

“I do need to shoot more, be more aggressive,” Lamb said.

At times, UConn also did a poor job of getting him the basketball. After sinking a three-pointer in the second half, Lamb raised his arms and called for the ball on the next possession. But Shabazz Napier and Boatright ignored him. And then Boatright fired up a 3-pointer.

“I don’t think we set good screens or got him the ball,” Calhoun said. “Then I think he did pass on a couple of shots that we’d like him to take. So it is a combination of things.

“I know this sounds like a revelation, but the other team does know who he is, so when he comes off the pick-and-roll he is doubled.”

 -- UConn had a season low for points for the second straight game. The Huskies lost 60-57 at Tennessee on Jan. 21.

 -- Notre Dame won the rebounding battle, 33-29. The Fighting Irish scored nine second chance points off of 11 offensive rebounds. They also had 10 points off of UConn’s nine turnovers.

They also made seven 3-pointers. But they shot just 36.2 percent.

UConn shot 40.4 percent overall. The Huskies also had fewer foul shots (7-for-10) than the Fighting Irish (9-for-12).

 -- Calhoun didn’t have anything positive to say about any player.

“I don’t know who you would praise,” Calhoun said. “Collectively, their team beat our team.”

Point guard Shabazz Napier had a bad game, missing all seven shots and finishing with four points. Junior Alex Oriakhi also had a tough day, finishing with four points and four rebounds in 17 minutes.

-- Freshman Andre Drummond, who had 15 points and 11 rebounds, on the loss: “It’s tough taking that loss. It’s frustrating.”

 -- Turning point: UConn went scoreless the first seven minutes of the second half and Notre Dame scored the first 13 points.

“Seven minutes without a bucket was a huge reason why we lost,” Lamb said.

 -- Up next: UConn visits No. 9 Georgetown Wednesday.

-- Check back later for video of Calhoun's post-game press conference.

-- For regular updates, follow me on Twitter @GavinKeefe