Notre Dame Can Solidify Contender Status Against Duke
The No.4 Duke Blue Devils come to Purcell Pavillion tonight at 7:30 to take on the No. 8 Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
Coach Mike Brey has turned the Notre Dame basketball program into a legitimate contender. But if you read any article or watch any videos, they still aren’t referenced with the “upper” ACC teams, even though they sit in second place in the conference.
They will have their chance to change that on Tuesday night.
The No. 8 Irish (19-2, 7-1 ACC) haven’t played the strongest of the ACC yet, and that’s led to some questioning just how good they are. Some point to how they’ve needed overtime, or barely slipped by some contests. But others see a resilient team that won’t be denied this year. Now No. 4 Duke has to come in to Purcell Pavillion, which has been a tough place to play for visiting teams.
It’s the first meeting between two Top 10 teams since 2003, when the No. 10 Irish beat No. 4 ranked Pittsburgh 66-64. Coach Brey is very aware of what the atmosphere is going to be like.
"“I think our fans are going to be through the roof,” Notre Dame coach Mike Brey said."
Last year without Jerian Grant, the Irish were still able to defeat Duke (17-2, 4-1) at Purcell. It was one of few highlights in their first season in the ACC. But with Grant back and leading the Irish, they’ve become one of the most explosive and dangerous offensive teams in the nation.
"“He puts his fingerprints on everything that’s going on in the game,” Krzyzewski said. “Grant makes all of their good players even better. He’s that force multiplier. If you have a great player, that’s what a great player does.”"
The Blue Devils have a star of their own in Jahlil Okafor, who is averaging 18.5 points and nine rebounds per game. The Irish have fared well against teams with interior size, but not with the talent of Duke’s. How Brey decided to defend Okafor will go a long way in deciding the outcome of this game.
Notre Dame will once again be counting on their offensive efficiency and outside shooting to beat Duke. The Miami Hurricanes, a similar team to the Irish with their perimeter game, picked apart Duke at Cameron Indoor and ended a 41-game home winning streak of the Blue Devils.
Tonight will be Notre Dame’s opportunity to put their stamp on the ACC.