BBall Needs Consistency if Post-Season is to be in their Future
Ian Scott
January 5, 2000

    At 9-5, the Irish are going to have their work cut out for them if they
hope to make it to the NCAA tournament.  There is still hope for Troy & Co.,
however.  The Irish proved how well they can play with wins over Ohio State
and Siena, and near victories over Indiana and Maryland.  They also showed
how incosistent they can be, by losing to Vandy and Miami, OH.  Notre Dame
must play with more consistency; especially now with the always difficult Big
East schedule just around the corner.  Top programs like UCONN, Syracuse, St.
John and even Seton Hall will show if the Irish are good enough for March
Madness.  A 5th place finish in Big East play could easily get Notre Dame in
but again, they will have to play with more consistency than they did during
their non-conference schedule.  They will have to beat up on the weaker teams
such as B.C, Pitt, Rutgers and West Virginia.  They will also need good
results against teams like Georgetown, Villanova, struggling Miami, and
Providence.  These schools had problems that were as bad if not worse than
Notre Dame's problems, during their non-conference schedules.  What would put
the Irish over the top if they beat these teams, will be sneaking in an upset
or two over UCONN, Syracuse, St. John, and Seton Hall.  The Irish have their
work cut out for them, but they have a lot of talent, a great coach, and the
obvious ability to turn some heads.  Their current 5 game winning streak is
an excellent sign, but they will be brutally tested in their Big East opener
on Wednesday at UCONN.