It's a New Day

What a difference a night makes.

Notre Dame used a slow-tempo, deliberate, Bo Ryan type offense to completely shut down UCONN's fast-paced attack in a 58-50 victory at the Purcell Pavilion Wednesday night. The Irish complemented the Big Ten-esque offense with a staunch defense, using the same formula that worked so well against Pittsburgh and Georgetown. A team that just two weeks ago was staring at a number 4 seed in the NIT is now looking at making the NCAA tournament.

The Irish have done it all without star Luke Harangody. They had to stop standing around and admiring his physical abilities once he got injured and start playing fundamental team basketball. Ironically, they have gotten away from Big East basketball and started doing the things we see out of Big Ten and SEC teams to win their games. Perhaps the Irish can set a new trend: defense does, in fact, win, even in the Big East.

The Irish resume has improved dramatically in that time, as well. They have improved from 6-8 against RPI top 100 teams to now being 9-8, have won 3 games over RPI top 50 teams, and have improved their RPI ranking from almost 80th up to now being 61st.

Notre Dame still has to contend with their lowly non-conference schedule, three bad losses, and a meager 2-6 record on the road. They next play Marquette Golden Eagles at Marquette, a very talented team that is likely a lock for the NCAA tournament. Notre Dame needs to either win at Marquette Saturday afternoon or win one, possibly two games at the Big East Tournament in New York City if they expect to find their way in the field of 65.