Notre Dame Basketball: Irish Fall in Bracketology and Polls Following Ball State Upset

Notre Dame’s post-season projections fell following their upset loss to Ball State.

The Notre Dame basketball team recovered against Delaware on Saturday. But, the stain from the Ball State loss still marks the Irish resume. The Cardinal rank 135th in the RPI ratings. This loss could haunt the Irish because it will be labeled a “bad loss.” As a result of this loss, Notre Dame fell in ESPN’s Bracketology and polls.

Bracketology

In ESPN’s most recent bracketology, the Irish dropped to a No. 4 seed. On the previous projection, Notre Dame sat on the No. 2 line.

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According to ESPN, the Fighting Irish rank drastically different in BPI and RPI. The Basketball Power Index (BPI) lists Notre Dame as the 13th best team in the country. However, the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) ranks the Irish as the 74th in the country. Despite two losses, Notre Dame feels more like the 13th best team than the 74th best team.

AP and Coaches Poll

After rising as high as No. 5 this season, the Fighting Irish fell to No. 18 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. Last week, Notre Dame dropped to No. 9 after a blowout loss to Michigan State.

The Irish are one of six ACC teams ranked in the AP Top 25. Duke, Miami (FL), North Carolina, Virginia and Florida State also fell inside the AP Top 25. Like every season, the ACC is extremely strong. It is very similar to the SEC in football.

What Next?

Notre Dame faces in-state rival Indiana on Saturday. The two programs will tip-off at Bankers Life Fieldhouse at 2:30. FOX will broadcast the game nationally.

Indiana enters the contest with a 5-5 record. Under new Head Coach Archie Miller, the Hoosiers have struggled to shift from Tom Crean’s up-tempo, high scoring offense to Miller’s hardnosed Defensive based team.

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Saturday presents Miller with an excellent opportunity to kick-start the program with a victory over a ranked program on national TV.