MasterCapper's Wednesday play

[MasterCapper]

Everyone is shying away from picking the Notre Dame/Cincy game today, and I think it's a mistake. I think this is a great spot for the Irish and it comes at a fantastic price.

I had this game capped as Notre Dame -6, given the circumstances, and was surprised to find that they are favored by just 2.5 points. The Irish, as you know, have lost five straight ... but it's a deceiving five straight.

Yes, they got buried by 19 points against Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. But, aside from that, they were competitive in the other four losses, which were to teams that are hardly slouches.

Loss vs. Uconn
Loss vs. Marquette
Loss vs. Louisville
Loss vs. Pittsburgh

In all four of these games against teams ranked in not just the top 25, but the top 10, the Irish led or had a chance in the final minutes. As some might recall, they let a commanding lead AT Louisville slip away before falling in overtime. They gave Uconn all they can handle. They led by four against Marquette in the final minutes before gagging. They led Pitt by 12 in the first half -- then by six at halftime -- before the game got away from them.

This Irish team is better than most people give them credit for, and after five straight losses and a terrible January, I think they come out determined to start February on the right foot.

Take a look at some of these quotes:

"It's either now or it's never going to happen," senior guard Kyle McAlarney said. "We're at our best when we're like that."

"Let's scratch and claw through February and then see where we're at," Brey said. "The great thing about college basketball, there's always a chance to get on a run."

"We have to put it all together in one game now," Harangody said. "If we don't do that, we're going to keep losing. And we know that."

At 3-6 in the Big East, these are clearly desperate times for the Irish, who were ranked seventh in the nation not long ago and were considered legitimate contenders to make a Final Four appearance. I think they right the ship tonight in a game they feel is a desperation game. Face it, if they lose to the Bearcats, their NCAA Tournament resume is in complete shambles.

And with a trip to UCLA on deck, the Irish knows that a loss at Cincy will probably lead to a seventh straight at the HP Pavilion.

Take the Irish (-2.5) to snap the skid tonight!

*8 star play!!

[be47320]

i agree, gl

[MasterCapper]

By the way: anyone got a counterargument for this game? Any reason to stay AWAY from Cincy. Anyone feel STRONGLY about taking Cincy?

[Kaysee]

gl bro... convinced me

[indybulldog]

you are correct... i didn't pay attention to this game, but as I look at it more, I see ND getting the win. Plus they have to win again eventually, right?

I'm on it.

[MasterCapper]

More propaganda worth considering:

Cincy is 0-5 ATS against teams who average 77+ points per game.

[Scottish Rebel]

BOL....its points like these why I end with some many games on my final card...looks like I might be tailing you on this play!!!

[MasterCapper]

My Golden Rule: any time a veteran team talks "must win" in the middle of conference season ... I like it.

[Slyce]

GL MC - I HATE ND...gut tells me they get it done tonight..plenty of other games for me to play..pull for ya to get the W!