Feb. 13, 2001
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – The Irish took a tremendous leap in one of the basketball polls this week.
Notre Dame moved up to No. 14 in this week’s Associated Press poll. Last week, the Irish found themselves at the No. 20 spot and rapidly climbed the ranks with the team’s two wins.
While Notre Dame fared so well in the Associated Press Poll, it advanced only a single spot in the ESPN/USA Today Coaches’ Poll. The Irish advanced from 20th to 21st.
MURPHY WINS AGAIN
Troy Murphy earned Big East Player of the Week honors again, after averaging a double-double in last week’s games.
This time, he shares the honors with Rutgers’ Todd Billet.
Murphy scored 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the game against St. John’s. In the contest against West Virginia, he tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds.
This marks the tenth time Murphy has earned the honor.
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED
Notre Dame proudly boasts two finalists for the Naismith Award.
The award is given to the college basketball player of the year.
Murphy is a finalist in the men’s division. While Notre Dame center Ruth Riley is a finalist in the women’s division.
The award will be given out in April.
HUMPHREY QUESTIONABLE
Ryan Humphrey is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game against Rutgers.
The forward severely sprained his ankle in the Sunday contest against West Virginia. It occurred on one of the final plays of the game when Humphrey blocked a last second shot attempt to secure the win.
CARROLL GETS AWAY WITH ONE
Irish guard Matt Carroll will not suffer any punishment for his obscene hand gesture towards the Mountaineer crowd.
The sophomore flipped off the crowd after winning Sunday’s game, 66-63. Carroll did so in response to Mountaineer fans littering the floor with trash.
Irish head coach Mike Brey made Carroll write an apology to the Mountaineer squad and fans for his behavior.