[pdprodigy]

Illinois saw all five starters reach double figures last Saturday in a 73-61 win on the road at Gonzaga (Illini made 12 of 23 three pointers). That dropped Gonzaga to 4-3 on the season and Bulldogs then traveled to Pullman on Wednesday, losing to the very improved Cougars, 81-59. Gonzaga's run of 12 consecutive NCAA tourney appearances could (looks like it will) end this season. A trip to South Bend is unlikely to help the team's tournament resume. Do-everything guard Gray (18.4-4.4-5.4) and the 7-0 Sacre (11.4-7.5) are the team's lone double digit scorers and at Pullman (in the team's first road game of the year) were nearly helpless. Gray made 2 of 10 shots (seven points) while Sacre made 1 of 5 attempts (six points). I just don't see them matching up with a very balanced Notre Dame team. Irish opened 8-0 but lost 72-58 at Kentucky on Wednesday. Zags were hoping Notre Dame had won, as the last thing they need is Notre Dame looking to "take things out" on them. However, that's EXACTLY the case now! Harangody (21.8-9.1) is gone but Notre Dame features three, 6-8 players up front and all are contributing. Abromaitis (14.3-7.0) is the team's leading scorer, joined by Nash (12.0-6.4) and Scott (10.9-7.8). Hansbrough (16.3) is in his second season with Irish (Mississippi State transfer) and is joined in the starting lineup by 6-8 guard Martin (9.1-4.8) with Atkins 7.0-2.8) playing in reserve. Notre Dame has averaged 79.1 PPG in its 8-1 start (allowed just 63.1) and just has too much for Gonzaga in this one.

[bobby heenan]

illinois is much improved this year(so is wash st. actually)....that illinois game is one theyve probably had circled for awhile since matt bouldin and co came in last year and beat them in illinois.....tough call here....