The Big East is Just That Good

Notre Dame basketball had high expectations from everybody this season. They were supposed to compete for the Big East Title and roll through the regular season. With arguably the nations best player, Luke Harangody returning and other standouts like sharpshooter Kyle McAlarney and Troy Jackson this team is struggling during the most important part of the season.

The Irish are on a 6 game losing streak. But to be fair, their schedule has been one of the hardest in the nation. During the losing streak, they have lost to numerous ranked teams such as Uconn, Pittsburgh, Marquette, Louisville, and Syracuse. The other loss came most recently against Big East rival Cincinnati.

I'm not making excuses for their recent poor play because good teams are supposed to beat other good teams, and they have not been doing that. But this team is still a threat. Once they get going again, they should be an elite team. Their record is an example of just how talented the teams in the Big East are. They currently have 4 teams in the top 10, including the #1 team, Uconn. So don't forget about the Irish, because this team has the ability to compete with anybody. People need to start realizing that the ACC is not the best conference in college hoops and for the past few years it has been the Big East.

If you're interested in watching some of these teams in action, Seton Hall plays St. Johns at the Prudential Center tonight. The game is on ESPN2 at 9:00. Players to watch are Jeremy Hazell for SHU, the second leading scorer in the Big East behind Harangody, and Paris Horne for the Red Storm who is averaging over 16ppg. The Big East is so fun to watch because any team is capable of beating another team on any given night.

BIG SATURDAY!!

Today, Saturday, January 17th, there are some great college basketball games on display for everyone to see. Let me express my excitement for college basketball at this time of the year first. College Basketball is the best thing to happen to all of sports. It is the best sport played and the fact that kids play it with only their heart makes it that much of a pleasure to watch. Anyway, lets talk about big match ups on this glorious day.

Game 1: Syracuse vs. Notre Dame
A classic big east match up which consist of the number 8 and 13th teams in the nation. Both teams have great potential to go far in the month of March, and can make a push for the Big East title. With these two teams on the court, there are potentially 6-10 players that can make it to the big show next year.


Game 2: Georgetown vs. Duke
This is my favorite match up of the day. The Blue Devils who have a great line up with shooters as well as a solid inside present are the favorites to win the ACC. They have all the pieces in place to make a great push as the season progresses. Georgetown is one of the best teams in the nation. They are much better than their ranking shows, and I think center Greg Monroe is the best freshman in the nation.


Game 3: Wake Forest vs. Clemson
Wake Forest: The forgotten team in the ACC. Fresh of a win against U.N.C. Wake Forest has the ability to hit you from every position on the floor. Do not be surprised if Wake Forest stays healthy, they win the ACC, with ease. Clemson, my sleeper team for the year. They are talanted and amazingly athletic. Trevor Booker is their heart and soul. Look for him to have a big game.


Game 4: U.N.C. vs. Miami
Do not sleep on Miami. They were ranked not too long ago, and their team is stacked with shooters and jumpers. Just put it this way, they can flat out play. And U.N.C. can not afford to let another one slip in the ACC. with already two losses in the conference, they will come out strong. But look for this game to be a dog fight(no literally) but it will be a brawl.


Game 5: Pittsburgh vs. Louisville
I love how Louisville plays basketball. They are so athletic, and their leader Earl Clark can do it all. He fills up the stat sheet. Though they have had some hicups this season already, they are a deadly team. Pittsburgh to me, isn't good enough to have the number 1 ranking. However as long as they keep winning, you can not take anything away from them. This will be an excellent game tonight.