The Morning Dish – Tuesday, December 3, 2002
by Adam Shandler
Notre Dame really, really, really wants into the Top 25 and proved it with a trouncing of previously undefeated Marquette, 92-71. If this were one of those kookie video games, the Irish’s Chris Thomas would have burst into flames. He netted 32 points on 7-of-9 shooting and had ten assists. Mike Brey’s team advances to a 6-1 record. The Golden Eagles fall to 4-1.
In other games of note, Missouri flogged Sacramento State, 98-60, Mississippi State “practiced†against Alabama A&M with a 100-58 tally and Gonzaga tempted fate against unranked, winless Washington but won in OT, 95-89.
Side Dishes
ACC 1, Big Ten 0: Call it just another game. Call it the start of one of the best early season showcases in NCAA ball. Call it whatever you want just make sure you call it a Florida State victory. Last night the ACC/Big Ten Challenge got under way as the Seminoles rolled over Iowa 80-67. The non-tournament style event has several Hoopville Top 25 teams squaring off in tonight’s action. Scroll down to Tonight’s Menu for the draw.
Carolina On Our Minds:Ahh, it seems like order has again been restored to the world. With a preseason NIT trophy and a 5-0 record, look for North Carolina to return to their rightful place as one of college hoops’ best teams. Check out our Hoopville Top 25 poll to see where our staff stacked the Tarheels.
Hinrich Happy To Sit:Kansas guard Kirk Hinrich can’t wait to get back, in more ways than one. He’ll sit out tonight’s tune-up versus Central Missouri State to rest a strained back. But give the kid a break. He has not missed a game in his 108-game career.
Tonight’s Menu:
• Now about that ACC/Big Ten Challenge…Undefeated Duke will be challenged by Ohio State in the early contest, followed by more marquis matchups like North Carolina-Illinois and a rematch of last year’s championship, Indiana-Maryland.
• Top Team Arizona is in action against St. Louis. Luke Walton, who sprained his ankle against Northern Arizona on November 27, is a probable starter.
• Florida faces a tough test against 2-1 West Virginia, Uconn hosts fellow Nutmeg Stater Sacred Heart, and Xavier has a Big Ten Challenge of its own as it plays host to Purdue.
Happy Tuesday. Enjoy!
