They are not a mid-major but Notre Dame may be the most surprising team in the top 25 right now. \u00a0 <\/p>\n
Saturday February 25 Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Notre Dame<\/strong><\/p>\n They have just 3 Big East losses and dealt Syracuse their only defeat of the season to start their current 9 game winning streak.<\/p>\n This team may not get a lot of 5 star recruits but it seems like they have been near the top of the conference ever since coach Mike Brey took over. \u00a0They have three games left in conference play and could win them all (@ Georgetown will be tough).<\/p>\n So just who are these Fighting Irish? \u00a0Well in guards Jerian Grant and Eric Atkins they have one of the least heralded but productive backcourt\u2019s in the country. \u00a0Both score 13 points a game, log heavy minutes and distribute the basketball. \u00a0Neither is probably a true one or two. \u00a0Up front, they have power forward Jack Cooley.<\/p>\n His haircut is from the Harangody School for Men and his game is rough and tumble too. \u00a0He had a streak of 4 straight double-doubles before Notre Dame\u2019s recent demolition of West Virginia last time out. \u00a0[soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n St. John\u2019s<\/strong><\/p>\n Much was made of how this is a whole new St. John\u2019s team this year and it has shown in their record. \u00a0These guy\u2019s compete hard, but last year\u2019s squad loaded with veteran players found ways to win against teams like Duke…this year\u2019s team, with an amazing lucky 13 freshmen on the roster, finds ways to lose to teams like Northeastern. \u00a0But at least they are getting experience.<\/p>\n There is talent though, with guard D\u2019Angelo Harrison averaging 17 points per game and forward Moe Harkless averaging 15 and 8. \u00a0Both are part of that large frosh class and show that there is a lot of upside with this group. \u00a0Typical of a young team they struggle with defense giving up 71 points per game (rank #268 in the nation).<\/p>\n They are also pretty slight with mostly wing players and even Harkless barely over 200 pounds. \u00a0That might be a problem against a Notre Dame player that won\u2019t be shy about being physical.<\/p>\n
\nMadison Square Garden – New York, NY
\n12:00PM
\nMoneyline: \u00a0no money line currently listed
\nSpread: \u00a0Notre Dame -6.5
\nO\/U: \u00a0129<\/strong><\/p>\n