Nov. 18, 1999
Post Game Audio
- Coach Doherty
- Forward Troy Murphy
- Guard Martin Ingelsby
- Siena Head Coach Paul Hewitt
By JR ROSS
Associated Press Writer
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – Troy Murphy scored 31 points to lead Notre Dame to a 107-96 win over Siena on Thursday in the second round of the NIT.
The Irish (2-0) will take on the winner of Friday’s New Mexico St.-Arizona game in the semifinals next week, while Siena dropped to 1-1.
Much like they did in their win over No. 4 Ohio State on Tuesday, the Irish had problems with turnovers but shot a torrid pace to make up for their miscues. They were 32-of-53 (60 percent) from the field and 10-of-19 from 3-point range but had 27 turnovers.
They turned the ball over 25 times against the Buckeyes but shot 50 percent from the floor.
Siena pressed all game with inconsistent results. The Irish either broke down and turned the ball over or broke the press for easy points.
David Graves and Matt Carroll both scored 16 points for Notre Dame, while Martin Ingelsby had 15.
The Irish also dominated at the line, thanks to 34 Siena fouls. The Irish were 33-of-39, while the Saints were 17-of-24.
Marcus Faison scored 22 points to lead Siena.
Notre Dame opened a seven-point lead in the first half on a rare five-point play. Ingelsby hit a 3-pointer and then referees ruled he was fouled after the shot, giving him a 1-and-1 opportunity. Ingelsby hit both to put the Irish up 29-22 with 7:54 left. Notre Dame would lead by as many as 11 before going into the half up 50-41, despite 15 turnovers.