When NIU men’s basketball coach Ricardo Patton put together an out-of-conference schedule, he had one goal in mind — learn his team’s weaknesses.

Patton got his wish. The combined record of NIU’s eight opponents is 34-23, a winning percentage of 0.596.

And NIU (2-6) will continue to challenge itself, as its next opponent is Notre Dame (6-2). The game against the Fighting Irish will take place tomorrow in South Bend, Ind. at 6 p.m. CST.

“We haven’t played a cupcake schedule,” Patton said. “We set out to play a schedule that would quickly identify what our weaknesses are.”

NIU started the season with a six-game losing streak. After the team’s sixth loss to Stephen F. Austin, Patton said he would reevaluate the style of play he had put together for his players.

Since that loss, NIU has won two games.

However, the Huskies’ next opponent will be a challenge, as three of the Fighting Irish players are averaging over 10 points per game.

Forward Luke Harangody is leading Notre Dame with 17.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. Fellow forward Rob Kurz is adding another 12.9 buckets and 6.9 boards per contest.

But the biggest story in South Bend these days might be the triumphant return of junior Kyle McAlarney. Last year the guard missed the second half of the season after disciplinary troubles sent him to the sidelines.

Back in action this year, McAlarney is second on the team with 14.6 points and 3.9 assists per game.

Notre Dame’s last contest was on Monday against Kansas State. The two teams competed in Madison Square Garden as part of Jimmy V week. The annual event raises money for cancer research in remembrance of former North Carolina State head coach Jimmy Valvano.

In that game, the Fighting Irish defeated the Wildcats 68-59. Notre Dame held Kansas State guard Michael Beasley to 19 points. It marked the second-lowest points scored in a game by the freshman this season.

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