By Teddy GreensteinMike Brey has a magic number in mind: nine.
Notre Dame's coach figures that if his team can get to 9-9 in the Big East, rated by most as the nation's top conference, it will have a strong case for an NCAA tournament bid.
"We've told (the players): 'If you're 9-9, worst-case scenario, you're in the discussion,'" Brey said Tuesday. "I think they need to have the information. Too many people talk about what you need - family, friends, web sites. I just wanted to give them the real deal.
"But it will also come down to: Who do you beat? In that 9-9, what are the good (victories) more than the bad losses? Certainly, we had a nice one against West Virginia. But you're going to need more than that."
Photo: Mike Brey says Notre Dame's goal is nine Big East wins. (AP)
Notre Dame's push for more starts at 8 p.m. Thursday in South Bend
against 14-7 Cincinnati, which beat the Irish 60-58 on Jan. 16.
Notre Dame sits at 4-5 in the Big East (15-7 overall) after losing four
of its last five. The Irish lost at Rutgers on Saturday, allowing a
team that entered with an 0-8 conference mark to eke out a 74-73 win.
"That one really stings, no question about it," Brey said. "We have an older group, a good senior class, and we were very disappointed. Our sense of urgency is up. As far as our spirits, the guys are looking forward to competing against a really good team."
Notre Dame shot just 41.2 percent at Rutgers, but its offensive efficiency remains high: It ranks No. 4 nationally, according to the Pomeroy ratings, but its defense rates 262nd, forcing just 16.0 turnovers per game.
Brey said the defense would improve with better rebounding, especially from its guards. More work on the boards also would lead to transition buckets.
"When we've been at our best here," Brey said, "we really run it."
"That one really stings, no question about it," Brey said. "We have an older group, a good senior class, and we were very disappointed. Our sense of urgency is up. As far as our spirits, the guys are looking forward to competing against a really good team."
Notre Dame shot just 41.2 percent at Rutgers, but its offensive efficiency remains high: It ranks No. 4 nationally, according to the Pomeroy ratings, but its defense rates 262nd, forcing just 16.0 turnovers per game.
Brey said the defense would improve with better rebounding, especially from its guards. More work on the boards also would lead to transition buckets.
"When we've been at our best here," Brey said, "we really run it."
Register with Chicago Tribune and receive Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks newsletters for free. 
When sports news breaks, be the first to know. (To get alerts on a mobile device, text CHISPORTS to 31286.). 
Pomeroy's turnover stat is actually turnovers/possessions. Thus, 16% * 68 Possessions/game= 10 turnovers/game.