Rockne's Roundtable

I will be shocked if we win this game based on how we have played recently and our history at the garden/Big East Tourney. But i have been wrong before and hope i am again.

You bring up good points Wes, but I have to agree with the previous poster. I think we pull it out. There is no way Marquette shoots the way they did in the previous match-up. Also Cooley essentially did not play in the game against Marquette which made us easier to defend. Granted Cooley hasn't been up to par lately, but he still has to be accounted for defensively, which they didn't have to do last time and we only lost by 8, on the road and on an emotional senior night. I like our chances. Maybe we don't win, but we certainly won't get blown out by 15 pts.

A big part of my prediction was based on the fact that Vander Blue wasn't even a factor the last time out and Marquette still won by eight.

I think this one comes down to Atkins and Grant having efficient scoring nights - Cooley is in a tough stretch and has struggled against longer defenders like Otule. Would like to see more minutes for Auguste, but don't know if that will be the case without foul trouble. I think ND makes a run but Marquette pulls it out by 5-7 points.

Marquette is not the same team on the road that they are in Milwaukee. We need more from Cooley and Grant tonight and I think we will get it. Cooley will be ready since he barely played vs Marquette in the regular season. We need a quick start.
Go Irish!

marquette will get after it, but i think we win--at least if cooley lets it go a little bit & connaughton likes the bright lights two nights in a row. we also need atkins & grant to play smart--limit turnovers & work for high percentage shots. cooley's the key. time to go to work jack.

Neutral court is the great equalizer. Unfortunately, the Garden has never been a hospitable environment for the Irish. Last night was one of the few times they shot well there. I think this game will go down to the wire. If it does, I think the Irish will win, but that would be the last stop on this tour. I don't see any way they could beat Louisville right now. Pitino has them peaking at the right time, once again.