SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) - The game between Notre Dame and eighth-ranked Kentucky pits experience vs. youth.

Irish coach Mike Brey is hoping his squad's experience will be an advantage Thursday night, saying it's what he has depended on since he arrived at Notre Dame in 2000.

Notre Dame (6-1) has five starters back from last year's team, with two seniors - including sixth-year player Scott Martin - two juniors and a sophomore. Kentucky (4-1), known for coach John Calipari's acceptance of one-and-done players, lost six players from last year's national championship team.

That's almost as many players as Notre Dame has had drafted the past two decades. Thirty NBA scouts are expected at the game and most are expected to be watching Kentucky.