If you thought the last DePaul game was Tory Jackson's best, Tuesday night was Jackson's breakout game, complete with Rick Majerus drueling all over him.  13 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 turnover and great defense.  The sequence in the second half where Jackson made one great dish that got knocked away, got the ball again at the top of the key and then set up Kurz for his third three of the game was celebrated loudly around the apartment, the anticipation building with each pass.  Sure, the Irish shot lights out and the Blue Demons couldn't hit a shot, but we defended extremely well and worked the ball to earn those open shots.

I also love how we're going to the rim.  Last year, we'd simply settle for jumpshots and didn't get to the line nearly enough because of that fact.  Now, everyone is going to the rim, including Colin Falls.  We bust Falls from time to time for his seemingly one-dimensional offense and lack of defense, but over the last few weeks, he's started making the transition to a Matt Carroll-as-a-senior type of player.

All five starters were in double figures, but Ryan Ayers and Zach Hillesland combined for 39 minutes of play and were extremely active, netting only five points on five shots, but contributing six assists and six rebounds.  Luke Zeller had limited action, contributing only two fouls in his seven minutes of play.

Also, Mr. Underrated Rob Kurz's line tonight was 15 points on six attempts, five rebounds, three assists, a steal, a block and managing to be in the right position most of the time.  The touch pass from Luke Harangody - who needs to develop a post move not involving just flicking a hook shot towards the rim - to Kurz on the break was as pretty as interior passing as you'll ever see, and reminded me why I love this team.

Not that this season is a total wash by any means - the showdown with Marquette on Saturday looms large for a great number of reasons - but I just wanted to take a little peak ahead to next year.  With McAlarney back, Jackson's evolution can bump him over to the two, leaving a frontline of Ayers/Hillesland, Kurz and Harangody, which makes for a starting five we can all love.