Fighting Irish favored in challenging spot vs Marquette

Notre Dame had the nation’s longest home winning streak snapped at 45 games by Connecticut and has to turned around in less then 48 hours and try and prevent a two game losing streak at the Joyce Center in South Bend. They will have the unenviable task of having to be defeat long time rival Marquette, who has unblemished record in Big East action. The Fighting Irish have lost six of last nine to the Golden Eagles, with just three covers.

What has hurt the Irish (12-6, 5-8 ATS) is two important elements. Last season Notre Dame played above average switching defenses in holding opponents to 41.1 percent shooting. With virtually the same cast back, teams are now converting on 43 percent of shot attempts.

On offense, Notre Dame has two options and little else. Potential Big East player of the year could be Luke Harangody again, who has a vast array of ways to score points. Outside, guard Kyle McAlarney is their only true threat these days and when he is 3 for 15 like he was against UConn, coach Mike Brey has few options to turn to. Starters Tory Jackson, Ryan Ayers and Zach Hillesland have not been consistent performers in Big East play and have often been left alone for open shots they fail continue to make. The bench has failed to supplement the starters, as Luke Zeller and Jonathan Peoples have provided little else than giving players rest. The Irish are just 1-5-1 ATS in last seven Monday assignments.

For Marquette (17-2, 7-6-1 ATS), no problems finding points from their lineup. The terrific trio of Wesley Matthews, Jerel McNeal and Dominic James are thriving as veteran players. Coach Buzz Williams is having an exceptional debut as head coach as his team has won nine in a row (5-2-1 ATS), having the poise to be patient when situations are tenuous. Any of the guards are capable of taking over a game when needed and a fourth reliable element has emerged making the Golden Eagles all but unbeatable of late.

Lazar Hayward may be an undersized power forward at 6’6; nonetheless he is a big time talent. Hayward scores 16.5 points per game and drops 39.2 percent of shots beyond the arc; placing opposing defenses in a real jam who to focus on. It’s no wonder Marquette is 10-4 ATS on the road.

Bookmaker.com has opened Notre Dame as 3-point favorites and it is crystal clear who the linemakers believe is the better team by the spread. Marquette takes care of the ball and is 22-10 ATS after five straight games committing 14 or less turnovers and is 9-3 against the spread if the home team has a 60 percent or higher home win percentage.

Irish players know what’s at stake, “(Three) losses in a row in the Big East, that’s what everyone’s focusing on right now in this locker room,” said McAlarney. “We need to win.” Notre Dame is 14th in conference in points allowed at 70.1 and must do a better job defensively. The Domers are miserable 0-6 ATS vs. teams outscoring their opponents by 12 or more points per game after 15 contests on the year.

This is the opener on Big Monday on ESPN starting at 7 Eastern and Notre Dame is 10-1 ATS off three straight losses against conference rivals.