Dec. 21, 2000

Notre Dame vs. Vermont Box Score

By TOM COYNE
Associated Press Writer

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Troy Murphy and David Graves had 21 points each and Ryan Humphrey added 20 as Notre Dame won its third game in five days, beating Vermont 96-86 Thursday night.

The Irish (7-2), who went nearly nine years without having three 20-point scorers in the same game, accomplished the feat in back-to-back games, with Murphy, Graves and Humphrey also doing it against Canisius on Tuesday.

It was third straight loss for Vermont (4-5), which dropped below .500 for the first time this season.

The Irish started the game with a 14-0 run and appeared several times as if they would put the Catamounts away, but each time Vermont edged its way back into the game.

The Irish led 84-69 with 3:50 left, but the Catamounts used a 9-5 spurt and cut the lead to single digits, 89-78, when T.J. Sorrenitine hit a 3-pointer with 37.4 seconds left.

After making just nine of their first 21 free throws in the game, the Irish were 10-of-14 down the stretch.

Tony Orciari led the Catamounts with 27 points, making a career-high seven 3-pointers on 14 attempts. Sorrentine added 22 points, Trevor Gaines had 13 and Matt Sheftic 12.

Matt Carroll added 15 points for the Irish. Murphy had 13 rebounds for his fourth double-double this season and 36th of his career. Murphy also had a career-high six assists.

The two teams were hot and cold in the first half. The Irish opened the game with a 14-0 run, making their first five shots. Four of the shots were 3-pointers as Murphy made two, Carroll made one and Graves had one.

Tony Orciari hit a pair of free throws and a 3-pointer to ignite an 11-0 run by the Catamounts, though, to cut the lead to 14-11. After the two teams traded baskets, Notre Dame went on a 9-0 run to take a 25-14.

After Carroll hit a 3-pointer midway through the first half to give the Notre Dame a 30-18 lead, the Irish maintained the double-digit lead until the final minute of the game. The Irish led 50-34 at halftime.