As it turns out Duke will be playing one of the hungriest teams in the nation in Notre Dame this evening.  The Irish have won two games in a row including a comeback win over Virginia Tech last evening.

Standing at 20-13, the Irish are still on the NCAA Bubble and a win over Duke would make them a tournament team.  With the return of pre season ACC Player of the Year, Bonzie Colson, the Irish are a formidable team.  In fact, they were predicted third in the league and are now healthy.

Duke has been playing great defense of late and that will need to continue against Notre Dame.  The Irish have four player capable of knocking down the three-point shot.  They made 12 three pointers in their last outing which included a 50 point second half.

The Blue Devils are led by ACC Player of the Year Marvin Bagley and perhaps the best starting lineup in America.  But it would benefit Duke if their bench plays good minutes.

The Irish could be a little leg-weary after playing a third consecutive day and they are not an especially deep team.  Duke on the other hand should be well rested but must guard against a slow start.

When the Blue Devils play well at the beginning of each half it normally leads to a win.  Duke currently stands at 25-6 overall and is battling for a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Duke won the ACC a year ago with an amazing run but this season they have had the luxury of a bye.  Still, the staff had little time to prepare for the Irish which has been a nemesis for the Blue Devils in the past.

Look for a hard-fought game where the Irish will not give up.  Duke will have to play a forty minute game and close the game out to face the winner of the North Carolina-Miami game.

Every team is 0-0 this time of year and that is an important thing for the players to understand.  Our pick is Duke by 8