It`s hard to believe the Irish could have anything to prove to an 0-7 team like Valparaiso, and maybe they don`t.
But for anyone who doesn`t remember, the Crusaders handed Notre Dame its first loss last season-71-68 in overtime-and there is the inevitable talk of avenging such a loss.
More realistically, the matchup here Thursday night provides the Irish
(2-3) with an opportunity to ease back into action after a week of final exams that have taken on more importance than usual. Riding on the outcome of the tests is the academic eligibility of LaPhonso Ellis.
Despite Notre Dame`s 86-84 upset of UCLA last Sunday, the Irish need Ellis if they are to come anywhere near the Final Four goal they set for themselves at the start of this season.
Final word on Ellis` eligibility probably won`t be known until next week. The first game he may play is Dec. 30 against Butler.
Between Valparaiso and Butler, the Irish are at home Friday night to Lafayette (5-1), another team that beat Notre Dame in their last meeting, two seasons ago.
