7:50 p.m. today, East Regional
No. 5 Fighting Irish: 24-7, 14-4 Big East No. 12 Patriots: 23-10, 12-6 Colonial Ath. Assoc.
Key matchup.
Notre Dame’s Luke Harangody vs. George Mason’s Will Thomas. Harangody (6-feet-8, 251 pounds) is the Big East player of the year and averages 20.8 points and 10.2 rebounds. The sophomore forward can shoot from long range, too. Expected to get the defensive assignment is Thomas, a 6-7 senior who has 18 blocked shots and only one 3-pointer this season. Patriots coach Jim Larranaga calls Thomas, a veteran of the 2006 Final Four, “the smartest player I’ve ever coached.”
Up high.
Junior guard Kyle McAlarney has 103 3-pointers, an Irish season record. George Mason counters with 6-4 senior Folarin Campbell, who leads the Patriots in scoring with a 15.9 average. He shares long-range responsibilities with junior guard Dre Smith. They have combined to make 125 3-pointers.
Down low.
Harangody is surrounded by plenty of size: Rob Kurz (6-9, 232) and Zach Hillesland (6-9, 233). That’s a lot of girth against the Patriots’ duo of Thomas and 6-6 sophomore Louis Birdsong.
Quote.
“I would hope after being in it last year we’re grown up a little bit more.”
Mike Brey, Notre Dame coach, whose team lost in the first round last year to Winthrop
Natalie Meisler’s pick: George Mason
