Predaction: Into the Gauntlet

Reaction: First 4 Big East games.

• Obviously, the best part of SU's performance in the first 4 matches of Big East play was Andy Rautins. From a worryingly bad slump to start the season, Rautins has re-established himself as the team's best shooter.
• Another thing I loved during these first 4 games was that all of the key players had at least one game where they played fantastic. The Rutgers game was particularly pleasing for the effectiveness of the inside game. Harris and Onuaku combined to shoot 19 of 22. Who do you focus your defense on now if you're an SU opponent?

Prediction: Gauntlet Part 1 - January

@Georgetown: Win. We matchup well against the Hoyas and our zone has given all but JT-III's most talented teams trouble.

Notre Dame: Win. Kyle McAlarney? Meet Andy Rautins. For once, a shootout with the Irish will work in our favor. If our offense is clicking, we're set.

@ Pittsburgh: Loss. A tough, great place to play. Speaking of which, I don't think I commented on how great the Memphis crowd was. For all our Memphis readers, well done. Your energy came through the TV-set.

Louisville: Win. SU holds serve at home. The dome is rockin' this year.

@Providence: Loss. Just seems like we'll lose to an inferior team at some point. I think it's decent Providence.

3-2? I'll take it.