ND-DePaul

[Terry in Crapchester]

What a difference a year makes.

A year ago, these two teams met in the regular-season finale. ND needed a win just to qualify for the Big East tourney, and DePaul was out of the running for even that.

This year, heading into their second meeting of the season, both teams have clinched a berth in the Big East tourney (not that that's a big deal), and ND has a shot at a first-round bye in the Big East tourney. I won't say that ND is in the NCAA tourney just yet, but I can't recall ND ever being passed over for the NCAA tourney with 20 or more wins in a season. To be on the safe side, I'm thinking that we'll be assured of a NCAA bid with two wins in our final three regular season games together with at least one win in the Big East tourney. We're still a long way from where I want the program to be, but at least when the discussion is as to whether ND will make "the tourney," it feels a little better when "the tourney" is the NCAA tourney and not the Big East tourney.

ND-DePaul used to be an annual home-and-home, back when I was a student and even for a little while afterward. The fact that both were Catholic schools, independents, in relatively close proximity, and both had a strong following in the Chicago area guaranteed that this was one of the biggest rivalry games for both schools. I know the Big East doesn't have a lot of fans on this board, but I'll rack the Big East for restoring this rivalry, albeit accidentally.

Btw, for anyone looking for a betting tip for the game, take ND. I have to be in night court tonight so I'll miss the game. ND only loses when I watch.

[MuchoBulls]

both teams have clinched a berth in the Big East tourney (not that that's a big deal)

It is a big deal when you don't make it.

Sincerely,
USF

These are 2 teams who we played twice (still one game left with DePaul) this season and I came away real impressed with DePaul. Meijia seems like he has been there for ages. They have some pretty big guys down low, so they will certainly take the physical play to ND. I thought ND got hosed at the end of the first meeting where no foul was called.

If ND isn't hitting the 3 tonight they could be in for a long evening. Should be a good game.