BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: Villanova @ Notre Dame

January 27, 2007


Villanova and Notre Dame meet for the second time in 10 days when they convene on the Notre Dame campus on Saturday for a Big East conference match-up. Villanova hosted Notre Dame on January 17th and entering the game the Wildcats were just 1-3 in the conference and were in desperate need of a win. Since their 102-87 win over the Irish, the Wildcats have also taken care of Texas and Providence and are suddenly one of the hottest teams around. The road woes have continued for the Irish since their loss to Villanova, dropping a 71-68 decision at St. John's in Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. The Irish do remain undefeated at home, 14-0, on the season, but this will be their biggest test at home since opening conference play.



Click below for our brief preview and prediction on this game and don't forget to leave your prediction in the comments section.

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It has not been a good week for the Irish. Late Monday as the team was arriving in New York City for Tuesday's match-up with St. John's, it was learned that their sophomore point guard Kyle McAlarney would not be available for them this season as he was suspended from the University after his late December arrest for marijuana possession. Then, on Tuesday, the Irish were beaten by the Red Storm on a 3-pt shot in the last 10 seconds by freshman Larry Wright of the Redstorm. The Irish are going to have to pick up the pieces as they head back home and get back on track.

Where this game is on the schedule for the Irish also makes it one of utmost importance. With a three-game road stretch following this game with trips to Syracuse, South Florida and DePaul, the Irish will need a shot of confidence to conquer their road woes. However, Villanova is a tough match-up for them as they are a team that shoots as well from the arc and has the ability to pressure the young Irish point guards into turnovers and into a quicker pace than they might be looking to play.

One thing that might fall squarely into Notre Dame's favor is the health of Curtis Sumpter. The 5th year Villanova senior who missed all of last season with a knee injury missed the VU win over Texas and was limited in their win over Providence because of a nagging muscle pull in his leg. Reggie Redding took a lot of his minutes against Providence and would be called on again to match-up with Irish leading scorer Russell Carter, who scored 32 of ND's 68 points at St. John's.

The Irish will look to use Rob Kurz and Luke Harangody inside to open up a lane for Carter and Colin Falls to shoot. However, the Wildcats will counter with Will Sheridan and Dante Cunningham concentrating on rebounding and defense inside. Mike Nardi and Scottie Reynolds picked up the offensive slack for Sumpter against Providence and should fare well against Notre Dame.

The Pomeroy computer likes Notre Dame by 5 in this one. It should be a tight game. I think the Irish have been playing a bit over their heads throughout the season and Villanova seems to be coming on strong. If Sumpter was healthy, I would have no reservations about siding with the Wildcats, still, I think they have just enough depth and a little more well-rounded in the backcourt to get this done on the road.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Villanova 78 Notre Dame 74