BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: Marquette @ Notre Dame

February 25, 2006


For me, the most interesting game on Saturday's schedule in the conference is Notre Dame and Marquette. After their loss at Rutgers, Marquette rebounded impressively with a pair of home wins over Georgetown and Pittsburgh. Now, they head back on the road for a rematch of their earlier win against Notre Dame. At 8-5 in the conference, Marquette definitely has hopes for a Big East Tournament bye, this is a must win for those hopes to stay alive.

Notre Dame had their three-game winning streak snapped this week in a thrilling loss at Connecticut. Notre Dame still finds themselves on the outside looking in with regards to a berth in the Big East Tournament, with their schedule, a win on Saturday could set them up for a little run to close their schedule.

To read our preview and see our game prediction, click read more below and don't forget to leave your prediction in the comments section!

READ OUR PREVIEW...CLICK "Read More" BELOW


Back on January 20th, Steve Novak scored 28 pts, includeing a 18-footer with 1 second left to lift Marquette to a 67-65 win over Notre Dame in the Bradley Center. This time, the rematch will take place in the Joyce Center on the Notre Dame campus.

The Irish are going to have to find someone to slow down Novak in this one. They also need to be careful of the athletic advantage Dominic James holds over their guards, as well as nearly every other guard on the conference, to put themselves in better position this time. The Irish should be able to find some success in the paint with Rick Cornett and Torin Francis, but their move to four-guard looks will be challenged often by the offensive quickness of the Golden Eagles.

However, I tend to like Notre Dame in this spot. It has been well documented the number of times the Irish have come close, only to fall in the end. Their list of tough losses, both home and away, consist of the best teams in the conference. Marquette has lost their last three conference road games and coming off the emotional high of their previous week, there looks to be a letdown somewhere.

Colin Falls found room to hit 6/13 from beyond the arc in the first meeting and I look for Chris Quinn to have an excellent game and lead his Irish teammates to a big win.

NBE Blogger Prediction:

Notre Dame 77 Marquette 71