Notre Dame Basketball: Colgate Preview

For the second game in a row the Irish blew a shot at garnering a signature win as they lost to Purdue on Saturday. That’s all behind them now and they will look to right the ship against Colgate on Monday night...and no not Colgate the toothpaste company. Despite the two straight losses, the Irish still managed to remain ranked at 25th.

Colgate is not the strongest of opponents as they are only 2-9. This should merely be a tuneup game for the Irish before ACC play starts next weekend.

When: Monday, December 19th, 2016, 7:00pm ET.

Where: Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center, Notre Dame, IN

Where to Watch: WatchND or WatchESPN

Colgate Raiders (2-9)

The Raiders come in as losers of their last five games. Head coach Matt Langel is in his fifth season leading the Raiders, and has yet to have a winning season. This year doesn’t look too promising either. Colgate has only played two other Power Six teams in Syracuse and Penn State, and lost both games by a combined 41 points. Monday night shouldn’t be any different against a talented and well coached Notre Dame squad.

Raider To Watch

Sean O’Brien - 6’2”, Guard, Junior

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

O’Brien got his first dose of regular playing time last season and modestly contributed. Last year he only averaged 8.6 points and 2.4 assists per game. This season he’s Colgates second leading scorer at 12.4 PPG and the team’s leader in assists at 4.2 APG. He’s been on a hot streak as of late. In his last three games O’Brien has 13.3 points, 4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and has shot 45% from the field. O’Brien will most likely be matched up with Matt Farrell throughout the night.

Pick to Click

Bonzie Colson - 6’5”, Forward, Junior

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

I’m going with Colson as my pick to click. I really like the matchup for him. Colgate does not boast a guy over 6’8”, so Colson should be able to have his way in the post. Against a much bigger front line from Purdue, Colson had 23 points, 10 rebounds and two blocked shots on 11-21 shooting. Look for Colson to have a similar performance and to pick up his eighth double-double of the season.

Prediction

Notre Dame 92 - Colgate 60

There shouldn’t be much explanation for this prediction other than Notre Dame is just simply better, much better. The Irish should win this one handily. Colgate just doesn’t have the horses to compete. Look for Notre Dame to build a big lead early and cruise away in the second half. Notre Dame needs this win after two disappointing losses. They also need to work on a few things before ACC play starts on December 31st and games like this are exactly for that.