Hoops Preview: Saint Peter's at Notre Dame
NOTRE DAME (10-2) VS. SAINT PETER’S (5-6)
Where: Purcell Pavilion
Rankings: Notre Dame is ranked No. 24 in the AP poll; St. Peter’s is unranked.
Time/TV: 7 p.m./ESPN3
Matchup history: The Irish are 4-0 all-time against Saint Peter’s. Saint Peter’s and Notre Dame last played on Dec. 31, 1999 in South Bend. The Peacocks fell to the Irish 85-67.
Notre Dame Notes
Notre Dame’s final non-conference matchup should not be competitive tonight, and should serve as more of a refresher for the 24th-ranked Irish entering Atlantic Coast Conference action.
The Peacocks won’t provide much of a challenge to Mike Brey’s squad. The Irish, despite back-to-back losses to ranked foes Villanova and Purdue before the Christmas break, are still one of the most balanced teams in the country.
Notre Dame is averaging 85.3 points per game while allowing just 66.2, shooting 47.9 percent and limiting opponents to just 39.5 percent shooting.
Matt Farrell — Still has not missed a foul shot this season (27-for-27).
Steve Vasturia — Has started 93 straight games, dating back to the final seven games of the 2013- 14 season.
V.J. Beachem — Made a career-high six 3-pointers against Colgate Dec. 19.
Bonzie Colson — Has an ACC-best seven double-doubles this season.
Martinas Geben — Had eight points and four rebounds against Colgate.
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Saint Peter’s Overview
Saint Peter’s, located in Jersey City, N.J., is a member of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference.
The Peacocks have victories over Lipscomb, Fairleigh Dickinson, Boston University, Manhattan and St. Francis Brooklyn.
Notre Dame will be the first nationally ranked team the Peacocks face since taking on No. 21 George Washington last season on Dec. 19. The Colonials beat the Peacocks 87-74 in the non-conference game.
Saint Peter’s has very little firepower. Senior forward Quadir Welton leads the team in scoring at 14 points per game to go along with 8.5 rebounds. Senior guard Trevis Wyche is averaging 10.5 points a game.
The Peacocks are the 296th rated team in the Ratings Percentage Index, scoring just 65.6 points a game while allowing 66.3. They are also turnover prone, averaging 11.6 a game.
Outlook
This will be a quick tune-up game for the Irish before ACC play begins. Staying healthy and getting into a rhythm will be the key.
Prediction: Notre Dame 88, Saint Peter’s 61
Vegas Spread: N/A
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