GAME NOTES: A top-25 matchup in Big East play takes place in Storrs this evening, as the 17th-ranked Connecticut Huskies play host to the 20th-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Both teams are red-hot entering this contest, and both certainly benefited from Georgetown's recent loss to Louisville. The setback by the Hoyas (10-2) has opened the door for both the Irish and Huskies, with the Irish sitting two games back in the win column (8-2), but tied in the loss column. UConn is half a game behind Notre Dame (8-3). Mike Brey's Irish bring a five-game win streak into Storrs, and are coming off an 86-83 victory over Marquette this past weekend. The Huskies have the Irish trumped, bringing a seven-game win streak into this game. The team took a break from conference action on Saturday, topping Georgia Tech, 80-68. UConn holds a 12-6 edge in the all-time series, but it is the Irish seeking the regular season sweep after posting a 73-67 decision in South Bend on January 5th.

The Irish are an offensive team first and foremost, averaging 80.8 ppg, while delivering on just over 40 percent from behind the arc (.408). Despite the use of the three-pointer, it is the play of forward Luke Harangody in the paint that fuels Notre Dame's attack. One of the top low post players in the Big East, Harangody leads the conference in scoring (20.3 ppg) and ranks second in rebounding (10.2 rpg). Sharpshooter Kyle McAlarney is the perfect complement with his long range acumen, hitting 45.3 percent from behind the arc (72- of-159), leading to 15.2 ppg. Rob Kurz (12.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg) aids Harangody down low, while Tory Jackson (7.5 ppg, 6.2 apg) runs the offense efficiently at the point. In the win over Marquette, the Irish placed five players in double figures, led by Harangody, who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Jackson had a strong all-around game, finishing with 14 points, eight assists and six boards. McAlarney added 12 points to the cause, followed by Luke Zeller and Zach Hillesland, with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

The Huskies dominated in the paint this weekend against Georgia Tech, scoring 33 points down low, while outrebounding the Yellow Jackets by a 46-26 advantage. Seven-footer Hasheem Thabeet led the way with 24 points and 15 rebounds and was followed closely by forward Jeff Adrien, who finished with 23 points and 11 boards. Doug Wiggins added 10 points off the bench in 29 minutes of work. The Huskies certainly took advantage of their physical play, outscoring Tech at the free-throw line, 32-8. UConn is a team that will not shy away from an up-tempo game with the Irish. The Huskies are averaging a respectable 78.1 ppg, on .463 shooting. The team has been without the services of Jerome Dyson (14.3 ppg) due to his suspension, but that hasn't cost UConn yet. The team has been able to absorb the loss, thanks to Adrien (14.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg) and Thabeet (11.2 ppg, 7.5 rpg, Big East-leading 93 blocks) elevating their games in the low post and guard A.J. Price (14.6 ppg, team-high 6.0 apg) doing the same at the point.

Both teams come in with a great deal of momentum, but it is the Huskies that get this one in Storrs. Harangody usually dominates in the low post, but UConn certainly possesses enough big bodies to counter.