NCAA Tournament Hopes Dwindle for UConn and Notre Dame

As the college basketball season winds down, both UConn and Notre Dame are struggling to stay in the conversation for a spot in the NCAA tournament. After a recent loss to Louisville, UConn's position is becoming increasingly dire, while Notre Dame has been trying to make a late push with consecutive wins over nationally ranked teams. Despite the Fighting Irish's efforts, the loss of star player Luke Harangody, who suffered a deep bone bruise in his right knee, could impact their chances.

Key Takeaways:

• UConn is in a four-way tie for ninth place in the Big East, behind Notre Dame, with a 17-12 overall record and 7-9 conference record.
• The Huskies face a tough test in their final two regular-season games against Notre Dame and South Florida.
• Notre Dame has made a late push with consecutive wins over nationally ranked teams, Pittsburgh and Georgetown, but is still considered a long shot for the NCAA tournament.
• The Fighting Irish are adapting well without star player Luke Harangody, who has missed the last four games with a deep bone bruise in his right knee.
• Notre Dame's chances of making the NCAA tournament will be affected by a bone bruise that could keep Harangody out for an extended period.

Statistics:

• UConn's overall record is 17-12, with a 7-9 conference record.
• The Huskies have two regular-season games left, against Notre Dame and South Florida.
• Notre Dame has a 19-10 overall record and an 8-8 conference record.
• The Fighting Irish have won consecutive games against nationally ranked teams, Pittsburgh and Georgetown.
• Luke Harangody has averaged 24.1 points per game and 10.0 rebounds per game, but has been out of action with a deep bone bruise to his right knee.

Sources:

• Mar. 2nd article by Gavin Keefe in The Day, New London, Conn.
• Copyright (c) 2010, The Day, New London, Conn. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.