Brey sends wakeup call for Notre Dame, says team needs sense of urgency

Brey sends wakeup call for Notre Dame

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Notre Dame coach Mike Brey is sending his Fighting Irish a wakeup call.

Brey called an 8 a.m. practice Tuesday in addition to the usual afternoon practice to try to get his players’ attention after an embarrassing loss to Rutgers, which had been winless in Big East play.

Brey says changing the routine helps create a sense of urgency. He did the same thing last season after the Irish lost seven straight. The Irish responded then with their best game of the season, a surprising 90-57 win over Louisville.

The Irish (15-7, 4-5 Big East) have lost four of their last five. They could use a win against Cincinnati on Thursday if they hope to make a run at an NCAA tournament berth.