“What I like about this group is that they’re big picture, next challenge, what do we have next,” said Brey. “It’s a group that’s hungry for more. They always have had that about them.
“We’re getting better. We’re finding things out about ourselves. Our body language in the last week, how we carry ourselves, is much more confident. The Villanova game helped us. That was something we needed to do away from our building. And then to find a way to win against Providence was another step. Our confidence level is pretty high.”
After slow starts on the road vs. Marquette and Georgetown led to losses, Notre Dame evened its road record last night. “We obviously were very ready to play the last two road games. How we got started against Villanova, we discussed that a little bit. I think that was a reference point for these guys, and we were really able to get into a groove offensively.”
Brey noted two unsung heroes for the game. “Something that was lost was Kurz’s defense on Laing early in the game, and Jackson’s defense on Harvey.” The 6’9” Kurz was a surprise choice to defend Seton Hall’s 6’5” wing player and leading scorer, but he held Laing to 5 five points in the first half as the Irish built a 20-point lead.
Talking about Jackson, Brey said, “He is a warrior. Eugene Harvey is a tough city guard. Not a lot of guys get to him. He was flat out gotten to last night. That was an interesting thing to watch because I really respect Harvey, but when you come from Saginaw you’re a pretty tough dude, too.
“The charge on Harvey early in the game set the tone because Harvey gets into the lane on anybody. It changed the dynamic of their offense.”
Luke Harangody led the Irish with 22 points and 13 rebounds. He showed an array of moves in the post and made several jump shots from the free throw line.
“We run a set to post him and I told him to read it differently because people wait on him in the post,” said Brey. “He comes up to the high post and goes left hand drive. One thing I told him at practice on Sunday was that he needs to trust the left hand. Do I need to put the cast on your right hand again?”
Commenting about the jump shots, Brey said, “I don’t think we should be surprised at anything from 15-18 feet when you look at how he shoots free throws.”
Is the three point shot next for Harangody?
“I really think the three point shot is coming,” said Brey. I don’t want him even thinking about that right now, but that’s something that will be in the repertoire. Not to hunt it like Zeller or Kurz but the next level behind that.”
The Irish look to avenge an earlier defeat when Marquette returns to the Joyce Center on Saturday. Brey expects a tough, physical game.
“Here’s a team that really defends. Marquette’s is disciplined. It’s up. It’s in you. They don’t lose guys very much, and it’s very physical.”
Brey expects a better showing from his team. “We’ve grown a lot since then. We’re pretty quick learners. They adjust, figure it out, and learn from their experiences. We have to be better with the basketball. That’s my biggest concern. I don’t know if there’s another key to the game.”
Saturday’s game at the Joyce Center is a sell-out. ESPN will televise the game at noon.