G Jonathon Peoples is a backup to both Kyle McAlarney and Tory Jackson and the sophomore came on to prove he's a capable player. He has been a sharp shooter in his limited play, hitting 18 of 28 field goal attempts in Big East play, a .627 shooting percentage. Against Syracuse, Peoples hit 3 of 3 from the field and scored seven points.

PLAYER ROTATION
Usual Starters -- F Rob Kurz, F Zach Hillesland, C Luke Harangody, G Tory Jackson, G Kyle McAlarney. Key Subs -- F Ryan Ayres, F Luke Zeller.

GAME REVIEW

Notre Dame 71, Rutgers 68

Notre Dame 82, Pittsburgh 70

Notre Dame 94, Syracuse 87

GAME PREVIEW

At Louisville, Wednesday, Feb. 28

At DePaul, Sunday, March 2

Vs. St. John's, Wednesday, March 5

At South Florida, Saturday, March 8

IN FOCUS
They say the Big East Tournament doesn't begin until March 12, but for Notre Dame it begins on Feb. 28 when the Irish play as intense a game as you can have outside the tournament at Louisville. A victory could put Notre Dame in position to gain a share of the Big East title and move them ahead of Louisville. It won't be easy, being at Freedom Hall, as it matches Louisville's pressure defenses against Notre Dame's high-scoring offense. Louisville will send waves of talented players at the Irish and the key may be how C Luke Harangody is handled by Louisville's Cs David Padgett and Derrek Caracter.

ROSTER REPORT

--F Rob Kurz had to get stitches for a cut over his left eye during the Syracuse game. He returned and helped the Irish finish off the victory with his free throw shooting. He leads the Big East in that department.

--PG Tory Jackson has improved his free throw shooting in recent days which was important because he had been below 50 percent from the line, not what you want out of your point guard who will handle the ball down the stretch.

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