ESPNU. "I like the challenges it presents
for us throughout the season. The ACC
is the best conference in the country and
our league games from January through
March really prepare us for the postsea‑
son.
"We'll navigate some formidable
stretches during the winter, but ulti‑
mately those contests are going to make
us a better come March."
Notre Dame returns three starters
from last year 's 32‑6 squad that ad‑
vanced to the Elite Eight —junior
guards Demetrius Jackson and Steve
Vasturia, and senior forward Zach Au‑
guste.
The Irish will face Boston College,
Georgia Tech, Miami and Wake For‑
est both at home and on the road this
season. They will travel to BC Jan. 7
and will host the Eagles Jan. 23. Notre
Dame will host Georgia Tech Jan. 13,
followed by the Irish traveling to Mc‑
Camish Pavilion Feb. 20. The Irish go to
Miami Feb. 3 and host the Hurricanes
March 2. Wake Forest travels to South
Bend Jan. 31, before playing host the
Irish Feb. 24. Brey's squad finished 6‑0
against those four teams last year, in‑
cluding a 70‑63 win over Miami in the
ACC Tournament quarterfinals.
Other noteworthy ACC games in‑
clude a March 5 home tilt against North
Carolina State. The Wolfpack were a
bit inconsistent last season with a 22‑14
overall record, but ended their season on
a high note by qualifying for the Sweet
16 before falling 75‑65 to Louisville. The
Irish beat North Carolina State 81‑78 in
overtime on the road last season.
In the non‑conference slate, Notre
Dame starts the season with five straight
home games, including two exhibitions.
After hosting UMass‑Lowell Nov. 21,
