BIG EAST GAME PREVIEW: ST. JOHN'S @ NOTRE DAME

March 5, 2008


Notre Dame looks for their second consecutive undefeated season at home when they host St. John's on senior night at the Joyce Center. The Irish have already locked up an NCAA bid while the Redstorm are still battling Providence and DePaul for the last spot in the Big East Tournament.

Here are the local media preiews and game stories on tonight's contest:

Numbers Show Irish Not Selfish (South Bend Tribune)
Kurz Has No Time for Nostalgia (SB Tribune)
Kurz Just Leads by Example (Chicago Tribune)
Irish Senior Reflects, Looks Toward NCAA's (Journal Gazette)

Notre Dame closes their 2007-2008 home schedule as a 16-point favorite against St. John's. The Irish fans will also get the opportunity to celebrate the career of steady and consistent Rob Kurz, whose leadership and unselfishness has left an obvious stamp on this team the last two seasons.

The Irish have not lost in the Joyce Center in more than two seasons and will look to keep that streak alive tonight. Already having clinched a bye in the Big East Tournament, the Irish will look to better their NCAA seed and have a better opportunity for Rob Kurz to win his first NCAA game. After missing the Big Dance as a freshman and a sophomore, the chance to dance was short-lived last year when the Irish were knocked out of th e1st round by Winthrop.

Tonight against the Redstorm, Notre Dame will look to pound the ball into their unstoppable force, Luke Harangody. Kurz should also have another stat-stuffing game with points, rebounds and assists and doing what is necessary to make things easier for Harangody.

The Irish also have too much perimeter firepower, led by Staten Island hative Kyle McAalarney to give the Redstorm much of a chance keeping up in this game.

St. John's rallied behind the news that embattled head coach Norm Roberts will return next season and beat Seton Hall over the weekend to pull even with Providence and DePaul for the last Big East tournament spot. The Redstorm have to win at least one more game in order to qualify, but with tonight's road trip to Notre Dame and a home date with West Virginia this weekend, the possibilities are not looking favorable. However, they do have somethign to play for, so the effort should be there, even if they are likely to come up short.

NBE Blogger Prediction: Notre Dame 84 St. John's 67