The real season for Notre Dame (9-4, 0-2) starts Saturday at Syracuse (8-5, 1-1) as the ACC schedule returns and won’t stop for the rest of the regular season. After that, we’ll know where the Irish stand as far as postseason aspirations. But let’s not put the cart before the horse.
The Irish enter this game first in the ACC and third nationally in assists at 18.2 a game. With 23 assists in their Dec. 29 win over Alabama A&M, they recorded their fourth game this season with at least 20 dimes. They also have committed the fewest fouls a game in the country (11.6), so the Orange and the rest of the ACC will have to make the most of the few free-throw opportunities available.
John Mooney, the nation’s top rebounder at 10.3 boards a game, needs only eight rebounds to reach 700 for his career. With seven consecutive double-doubles and 10 for the season to tie for the most in the country, Mooney should be able to get to this milestone quickly.