Feb. 13, 2001
From the Associated Press
Troy Murphy returns to his home state as surging Notre Dame goes for its eighth straight win in a visit to Rutgers on Wednesday.
Murphy, a native of Delbarton, N.J., is averaging a team-high 23.2 points per game and is second in rebounding at 9.2 per contest for the No. 14 Fighting Irish (16-5, 8-2 Big East).
The junior forward has enjoyed playing against Big East schools from New Jersey, averaging 27.1 points and 12.1 rebounds in seven games against Seton Hall and Rutgers.
Murphy had a career-high 37 points and added seven rebounds in Notre Dame’s 87-80 victory over Rutgers on Jan. 6. He is 4-3 against the New Jersey schools, including a 78-76 loss at Seton Hall on Jan. 8 despite his 25-point, 20-rebound performance.
Notre Dame’s most recent victory was a 69-66 win at West Virginia last Sunday. Martin Inglesby hit five 3-pointers, triggered a decisive second-half run and finished with 17 points for the Fighting Irish, winners of three straight conference road games.
“It was a big-time performance by Martin,” said Murphy, who finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds to share Big East Player of the Week honors Monday. “He kept us in the game at the beginning banging 3s.”
Inglesby may draw the defensive responsibility on the player Murphy shared the honor with – Rutgers guard Todd Billet. The sophomore hit six of seven 3-point shots and finished with 26 points and 11 assists in the Scarlet Knights’ 86-64 rout of Pittsburgh last Sunday.
“I’m getting a little more mature now,” said Billet, who recorded his first career double-double. “If I didn’t get any shots for a while last year, I would start rushing things and force a shot. Now, I’m more patient, I look for teammates, and when I finally do get a shot I don’t panic and I’m able to knock it down.”
Jeff Greer added 23 points for Rutgers (10-11, 2-8), winner of consecutive games following an eight-game losing streak.
Notre Dame and Rutgers have split 14 meetings.