One of the problems with postseason conference tournaments is that they can pour heavy rain over a strong, sunny season.

Notre Dame's early Big East tourney exit didn't completely wash away a season's worth of good vibes. But the Irish ended up a little damp.

“It's disappointing for us,” Irish coach Mike Brey said after a first-game 89-79 loss to Marquette.

Notre Dame (24-7) has never fared well in the Big East Tournament, even during its finest seasons. The Irish have lost their first game of the tourney eight out of 13 years in the conference and have never won more than one game.

Irish fans will be waiting to see if the team is tough enough to bounce back in the NCAA Tournament's opening round.

A logical guess would be yes.

Notre Dame has lost consecutive games only once this season, and that came against Baylor and Georgia Tech in November.

“We're a tough, resilient group,” guard Kyle McAlarney said last month. “Anything we face, down by however many points, we'll keep attacking and keep being aggressive and keep playing our game.”

If there's one positive to take from the loss to Marquette, it's the fact there were some mitigating circumstances. Notre Dame's leading scorer, Luke Harangody, got into foul trouble early, playing only seven minutes in the first half, and finishing with 13 points and five rebounds. Harangody, the Big East Player of the Year, averages 20.8 and 10.2 points per game.

The Irish led at halftime despite the absence of Harangody, but seemed not to be able to establish its usual flow when he returned.

“(It) wasn't one of my nights,” Harangody said. “I just couldn't get in a great rhythm.”

Notre Dame's preparedness for the tournament, however, could be strong as long as the players consider the bigger picture. Marquette was playing Notre Dame for the third time and knew the Irish inside and out. Upcoming opponents won't have as familiar an approach.

“I'll be honest with you, I really like the fact that we're not playing any Big East games next week,” Brey said. “I've had enough. It's been great. I love the league. We need some fresh faces.”

Harangody agreed, and said the team should be able to regain the consistent play it showed during the conference stretch run.

“We get to play (in the NCAA tourney),” Harangody said. “A lot of teams don't get to do that. I think we kind of have to put this in the past. But still we'll look at some things we did wrong…and just see what we've got next.”