Dec. 18, 2017
NOTRE DAME, Ind. – It certainly came as no surprise when the Atlantic Coast Conference came knocking on Monday afternoon, announcing Notre Dame junior forward Jessica Shepard as its women’s basketball player of the week. The honor marks Shepard’s first ACC accolade.
Shepard produced the most dominant performance of her career, pouring in a career high 39 points to go with her 11 rebounds, marking her fourth double-double of the year. Shepard knocked in a then season-high 26 points by the half on 13 made field goals, before setting a new Purcell Pavilion women’s scoring record, besting Ruth Riley’s 36 points set twice versus Miami (Feb. 22, 2000) and versus Providence (Jan. 10, 1999).
The junior’s 39 points also stood as the fourth-most points all-time, trailing only Jewell Loyd‘s 41 at DePaul on Dec. 10, 2014, Ruth Riley’s 41 at Providence on Jan. 30, 1999 and Katryna Gaither’s 40 versus Ohio on Nov. 29, 1997.
Furthermore, Shepard was highly efficient from the field, converting 17-of-22 attempts, as her 17 made field goals tied for the second most in program history, while claiming the top spot on the Purcell Pavilion list.
Lastly, Shepard’s 39 points stands as the highest individual scoring performance among ACC players during regulation thus far this season.
Shepard and the rest of the Irish return to action on Wednesday, Dec. 20, when they host Marquette inside Purcell Pavilion at 3 p.m. ET.
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