GAME NOTES: The Notre Dame Fighting Irish will try to stretch their home winning streak to 32 games tonight, as they host the Providence Friars in Big East play at the Joyce Center. The Irish are coming off their first road win of the season, as they knocked off Villanova, 90-80, on Saturday. It was the second win in three games by Notre Dame, which improved to 14-4 overall and 4-2 in league play. The Irish now return back home, where they have won 31 games in a row, including all 11 this season. As for Providence, it dropped its second game in a row on Sunday, losing out at Syracuse 71-64. It was the fourth loss in five road outings this season by the Friars, who dipped to 12-7 overall and 3-4 in the Big East. Tonight's contest marks the 21st all-time meeting between Providence and Notre Dame, with the Irish holding an 11-9 edge in the series.

The Friars have done a solid job at the offensive end of the court this season, as they are averaging 76.1 ppg on 45.0 percent shooting from the field and 38.0 percent from three-point range. Jeff Xavier is the squad's leading scorer with an average of 13.1 ppg, and he is also a tenacious defender, recording a team-best 42 steals. Weyinmi Efejuku and Brian McKenzie turn in 11.7 ppg apiece for Providence, while Dwain Williams chips in with 11.0 ppg. Geoff McDermott rounds out the double-digit scorers at 10.9 ppg and he is also dishing out a team-high 4.6 apg and grabbing a squad-best 8.5 rpg. In the team's last game, the Friars shot a lackluster 37.1 percent from the floor and they were also dominated on the boards, 47-32, in a loss at Syracuse. Williams paced the team in defeat with 21 points, while Xavier had 16 points and three steals.

Much like Providence, Notre Dame can light up the scoreboard on any given night and it comes into the game averaging a hardy 79.2 ppg on the strength of 41.0 percent shooting from long distance. The Irish have also done a tremendous job on the boards, outrebounding their foes by 9.0 rpg. Luke Harangody is one of the premier players in the Big East and he nearly averages a double-double with team highs of 19.3 ppg and 9.6 rpg. Kyle McAlarney is hitting on 45.7 percent of his long-range attempts and he turns in 15.4 ppg and 3.5 apg. Rob Kurz is another solid rebounder for Notre Dame at a 7.9 rpg clip and he chips in with 13.3 ppg. In the squad' previous outing, McLarney poured in 30 points and dolled out five helpers in leading Notre Dame past Villanova. Harangody recorded a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds, and Kurz finished with 12 points. Notre Dame shot 50.9 percent from the field and it also made good on 27-of-38 free-throw attempts.

With Harangody leading the charge, expect the Irish to control the low post and keep their home winning streak alive tonight.