At the sports desk: favorite teams update

Things didn't get any better for the Notre Dame men's hoops team--they lost again, at home, to Marquette, 71-64. Again--couldn't hit key shots when it counts, couldn't step up defensively and get key stops. The season stands in real danger of spiraling out of control now--and this for a team everyone thought would be a lock to get in the NCAAs. That's not so now. And next, they have to go to Pittsburgh, ranked #3 in the country, and very tough and physical. Maybe the Irish can make it us-against-the-world, and that will help. Maybe. But it doesn't seem likely.