Notre Dame vs Penn State Predictions: NIT Semifinal Round
Written March 30, 2009 by Jordan Haimowitz
The Irish are finally playing the kind of ball that everybody expected them to this year. The two faced Irish have at times looked like a top 10 team beating teams like Louisville by thirty points, @ Texas and @ Providence. There is also the other Notre Dame team that could look inept at times losing to teams like St.Johns, Cincinnati and UCLA (a 26 point loss). We live in the present though and right now, they are playing very well. Star forward Luke Harangody and star guard Kyle McAlarney combined for 45 points in their recent blow out victory over Kentucky. They also defeated New Mexico and a good UAB team in the first round. Aside from Harangody and McAlarney, Notre Dame has had big play from several other players. Guard Tory Jackson and Ryan Ayers have been very good while combo G/F Jonathan Peoples and Tyrone Nash have been a breathe of fresh air alongside Center Luke Zeller. Notre Dame does have something going for them that they haven’t had all year long. Their defense has been great. In all three games they have not given up less then 70 points to all their opponents. During the season hey averaged 71 points against and had some games where they couldn’t stop anyone. They will run into a very hot Penn State team who’s confidence is sky high. Taking a look at the NCAA basketball spreads for tomorrow, Notre Dame is a 4 point favorite over Penn State and the total is now 138.
Penn State is coming off a marquee win at Florida in which they were 11 point underdogs. Before the victory at Gainseville they defeated Rhode Island and George Mason on their road to New York. The Nittnay Lions are led by their sensational sophomore guard Talor Battle who averages 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. This is one of the nations better players that many people know nothing about. Perhaps that is minimized currently after his clinic he gave to Nick Calathes and the overrated Gators. Penn State also gets big play consistently from senior forward, captain Jamelle Cornley who puts in 14 points and 6 rebounds per game. Other important pieces for this team are guards Stanley Pringle and Danny Morrissey as well as forwards Andrew Jones III and David Jackson. Penn State has picked up their offensive game during the NIT averaging 77 points per game. During the regular season they only scored 67 points per game. Their semi-final opponent, The Fighting Irish, are not the sort of team Penn State usually enjoys playing. An up tempo game in what Notre Dame prefers and something I seem them enforcing Tuesday night.
Guard #1: Kyle McAlarney vs Talor Battle (EDGE-Talor Battle of Penn State) Buckle up and hold on tight. This will be your best single show down between two guards in both semi-final NIT games. K-Mac is a three point shooter with unlimited range and can run the floor with the best of them. He is argued to be the key for the Irish. Penn State goes how Talor Battle performs. This is a future NBA starter who not only fills the stat sheet, but he installs confidence in his teammates. It does not happen often, but McAlarney gets the short end of this one.
Guard #2: Tory Jackson vs Stanley Pringle (EDGE-Tory Jackson of Notre Dame) Jackson is an underrated guard who contributes in all categories. He averages 11 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5 assists per game. Pringle who certainly is no slouch puts in 13 points and adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists per game. The difference here is Jackson has more athleticism and speed. I look for Pringle to try slowing the pace down and hand cuffing Jackson. However, trying and succeeding are two different things.
Forward #1: Luke Harangody vs Jamelle Cornley (EDGE-Luke Harangody of Notre Dame) Luke Harangody was last year’s Big East Conference player of the year. The star forward this year was dominant despite his teams success averaging 24 points and 12 rebounds a contest. Harangody is a very crafty player who has an eye for the hoop. he also is a great defensive rebounder. Cornley just seems to get better as every game goes by. The senior forward will decide his teams fate in my mind. Cornley must neutralize Harangody or the Lions will not score enough point nor hold the Irish to a minimal amount. Hint, Hint, not going to happen. Post game headline. “Gody goes off”
Forward #2: Ryan Ayers vs David Jackson (EDGE-EVEN) While Ayers is a listed guard, his 6′8 203 lb frame is the furthest thing from it. He has improved his three point shooting and is a above average defender. David Jackson of Penn State is more of a bruiser with a below average jump shot. While you may rarely see these two square off, the impact of both will be around the same as each have a slight edge in certain categories. these are the comparable starters, do not expect either to make a huge difference.
G/F/C: Zach Hillesland vs Andrew Jones III (EDGE-Zach Hillesland of Notre Dame) Two different players with completely different skill sets. Hillesland while being 6′9 is a good jump shooter and above average rebounder. Jones is a big man with an inside presence who plays off of raw intensity. This is not a match up of big significance, however if the edge goes to someone, it is Hillesland as he has shown signs of great play and could strike fire at any point.
Haimo’s Hot Notes: Penn State has not defeated an opponent yet in this tournament that was of any threat. The Gators got respect they did not deserve while Rhode Island is a defensive embarrassment and George Mason who got in because, well, they are known as the team who made that amazing run to the final four once upon a time. The run stops here for the Nittnay Lions. The Irish are playing like a top 25 team that belongs in the NCAA tournament, unfortunately during the year they just didn’t get it together. Tonight, they play serious basketball. Gody and McAlarney will play the way stars do. Ayers and Hillesland will contribute and Mike Brey will march on to the NIT championship game. You can count on this for not just your BEST BET but your GAME OF THE WEEK. Take Notre Dame -4 and cash in.
Betting Line: Notre Dame -4
Jordan’s Pick: Take Notre Dame -4 (BEST BET)
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3 Responses to “Notre Dame vs Penn State Predictions: NIT Semifinal Round”
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What time does the game start between Notre Dame and Penn State
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Mike,
9:00 eastern time. Its a great play, make sure to capitalize.
Jordan
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guess you were wrong:-)
GO PENN STATE!
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