Dec. 18, 1999
Postgame Audio:
? Coach Doherty
? Forward T. Murphy
? Guard M. Carroll
SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) – Matt Carroll scored eight points during a crucial 11-0 run late in the game to help Notre Dame overcome a sluggish performance and defeat Virginia Military Institute 79-66 Saturday.
Carroll had a career-high 22 points, while David Graves scored 17 for the Irish (5-5). Troy Murphy led Notre Dame with 30.
First-year Notre Dame coach Matt Doherty had a tough time getting his players motivated for the Keydets (5-5), who lost by 41 to Virginia earlier this season.
Notre Dame shot 55 percent (28-of-51) from the field for the game, but committed 25 turnovers. But VMI’s 34 percent shooting (27-of-79) kept the Keydets from capitalizing on the opportunities.
The Irish went up 51-36 early in the second half, but VMI closed to within 63-56 with 7:04 left in the game following a rebound basket by Nick Richardson. Carroll then took over, scoring on a reverse scoop shot, then converted the three-point play. He also knocked down a 3-pointer, and hit a short jumper in the lane. The last basket gave Notre Dame a comfortable 74-56 lead.
Andre Quarles paced VMI with 21 points.