Mike Brey Notebook | Stretch Run

Notre Dame basketball coach Mike Brey spoke following practice on Friday afternoon. 

On mindset heading into the last five games:
"You tell them we're still in striking distance by getting Monday. We have a lot of work to do. There's no question to be realistic; we're going to have to do something in Greensboro too. What that is, who knows. To get another one at home would be great for us. 

"We're going to play a Miami team that's whole again. They have a great perimeter - they're really good." 

On Miami's guards:
"I think they can all go get their own shot. If you look at their assist to turnover, they're completely different than us. They attack it differently, but it's effective. They make one or two passes and someone is playing one-on-one and making a play. They have three guys on the perimeter that can really do that. They have big guys who know who they are and stay out of the way and rebound the ball. 

"We pass it a little more. It's two interesting and very different offensive philosophies." 

On Rex Pflueger being on the floor:
"He's such a veteran and has such a feel for the game and our system. He's the guy who is telling Nate (Laszewski) don't run over the guy. Nate was over the ball and Carolina tries to run the play where they get us to charge. Rex saw it and told him don't run over him. 

"It's a really experienced guy who is the epitome of winning plays. We can add the other night to his highlight of winning plays." 

On relief of getting rest coming off a win:
"We needed some rest. That was grueling. We're fortunate to get out of it 2-2. 1-3 really puts you behind the 8-ball. 2-2 keeps you in the mix. We actually had to use Tuesday and Thursday for our off days because next week we're not going to take an off day. 

"Today was the first day we really cranked it back up. We were playing young guys versus old guys at the end. It gets a little heated in a good way." 

On the team being recharged after a win:
"There is a great uplift when you win like that. There's no question they feel good about themselves and there is a lot to play for. We're within striking distance." 

On having a home game on Sunday:
"It seemed like we were traveling forever last week. I think we all learned to pace ourselves and it's good to be home. We've played well at home. Our crowd has been really good for us here and we're going to need that on Sunday." 

On travel plans for next week:
"With a 9pm game in Boston and us getting back here at 3 or 4 in the morning, it's an absolute waste of a day physically. Guys are zombies academically in class. Our seniors don't have as busy of an academic schedule, so we looked at it and we're going to go to Winston-Salem at Noon on Thursday. 

"To turn around and come back and get on it again, we'll stay out there. We'll come home, do our laundry and go to Greensboro."