BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: DEPAUL @ NOTRE DAME

February 2, 2008


Notre Dame's home win streak reached 32 games with a thrilling overtime win over Providence Thursday night. The Irish have to turnaround quickly and take on DePaul Saturday evening as the Blue Demons take their turn in attempting to end the Irish home win streak.

The Blue Demons got the conference's attention by winning three of their first four Big East contests, but they have settled back into the conference back, losing three of their last four to even their record at 4-4. Their last game was a disappointing home loss to Syracuse as the short-handed Orange used their zone to watch the Blue Demons build a wall with their bricks from the perimeter.

Look for Notre Dame to do what they do best, go inside to Luke Harangody and then look outside to Kyle McAlarney. Harangody scored 31 in the win over PC, making up for the off-night shooting from McAlarney, which can't be good news for DePaul as the law of averages points to a big night on Saturday for the Irish junior.

DePaul definitely has some pieces to compete, but they still drive onlookers crazy with their inconsistency. Mac Koshwal and Dar Tucker are among the league's best freshman duos, but the up and down play of seniors Karron Clarke, Wesley Green and Cliff Clinkscales leaves you wondering what you will get from DePaul. Senior Draelon Burns is one of the league's leading scorers, and he is putting up points consistently, but it can take a lot of shots at times for him to accrue those points.

While DePaul is likely to step up and beat someone again soon, I just do not see it happening against Notre Dame this weekned.

NBE Blogger's Prediction: Notre Dame 78 DePaul 70