Pflueger Embracing Chance at Top 10 Team

The turning point of Notre Dame's season might have come on January 25th in Tallahassee. 

Notre Dame fell 85-84 to Florida State, but showed they could play with a top 10 program. The Irish have gone 7-3 since and will have a chance to get some payback on Wednesday night.

"As a team, we have really come back and saw where our weaknesses and strengths are," stated Notre Dame captain Rex Pflueger. "We're starting to really get ourselves to a position where we can find ways to win at the end.

"Saturday was a tough story, but I think we've gained a lot of confidence throughout the whole season. Knowing the team that we are and how much we've matured since the game in Tallahassee, I think we'll improve on the end game scenario." 

Notre Dame has taken on a one-game mentality in ACC play and it's paid off. 

Now, they get a shot at one of the best programs in the country.

"That has helped us throughout the whole season - the idea of taking it one game at a time," explained Pflueger. "We've made sure that it's the most important thing. 

"A lot of people say that, but we've really preached it. We're really taking every single game like it's a championship game. Knowing how important Wednesday is, I expect us to act the same and go out there with intensity and listening to our coaches." 

The chance to play in the NCAA Tournament took a hit on Saturday as the Irish fell at Wake Forest. 

Pflueger doesn't feel confidence is lacking for his Irish and finishing off a close game against Florida State could provide even more heading into the ACC Tournament.

"I'd say the sense of urgency is always thee with our group," Pflueger said. "We take every single game very serious. We see the next two games as two more games on the road to where we want to go." 

Notre Dame has lost 20 consecutive games against ranked teams and it starts with not being able to excel in game situations. 

"Finishing out some of the games has been a little difficult for us in certain scenarios," stated Pflueger. "We can't look at the negatives. We have to learn from them and move on." 

As for Pflueger, the senior will play his final two regular-season games at Purcell Pavilion this week.  

"It means a lot," said Pflueger. "This place has been a very big part of my life. Five years for anyone in any place - it's going to hold a special place in my heart forever. 

"I'm going to go out and enjoy the last two games the best way I can."