Dec. 30, 2001
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NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Notre Dame will look to build some momentum heading into BIG EAST Conference play as it welcomes DePaul to the Joyce Center for a New Year’s Eve matchup Monday at 1 p.m. (EST). The Irish come into the game on the heels of a disappointing 72-61 loss at Rice Friday night, which dropped them to 5-5 this season and 0-5 away from home.
DePaul (7-5) should be well-rested by the time it arrives on campus Monday afternoon. The Blue Demons have not played since Dec. 22, when they posted a 71-51 win at Northern Illinois. Senior forward Lenae Williams registered a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, and freshman guard Jenni Dant came off the bench to hit seven of eight shots and score 15 points for DePaul.
In an effort to bolster their schedule strength and enhance their NCAA tournament pedigree, the Blue Demons have played a highly-demanding non-conference schedule. In addition to Monday’s tilt with defending national champion Notre Dame, DePaul also has faced three NCAA Sweet Sixteen teams from a year ago, including national runner-up Purdue, which narrowly slipped past the Blue Demons, 63-61, back on Dec. 17.
Williams has been the pacesetter for DePaul this season, ranking second in the nation at a robust 24.3 points per game. She also leads the team with 2.8 assists per game and stands second on the squad with 5.8 rebounds per outing, in addition to hitting a team-best 40 three-point field goals and 45 free throws this season.
Other players to watch include junior guard Laura Sobieszczyk, who leads the team with a .457 field goal percentage (.471 from three-point range), and junior center Jamie Smith, who is averaging a team-high 7.3 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game.
Doug Bruno is in his 16th season at DePaul, owning a 309-209 (.597) record with the Blue Demons. He also has guided DePaul to 10 postseason berths, including seven NCAA Tournament spots. He is 6-2 in his career against Notre Dame.
– ND –