Murphy leads Irish win over Syracuse with 34 points
By KATHLEEN O'BRIEN
Associate Sports Editor
Troy Murphy swooped down on the hoop Tuesday night, coming in from the left for a slam dunk on a fast break pass from teammate Ryan Humphrey.
The second-half slam jam counted for just two of Murphy's 34 points, but it signaled the start of a 10-0 Irish run and the momentum it gave the Irish was the beginning of the end for the Orangemen. It also helped provide Murphy with his first fond thoughts of taking on Syracuse, as Notre Dame went on to win 74-60.
"Those are shots that are hard to miss, those dunks," Murphy said.
Troy Murphy associates a bundle of bad memories with playing Syracuse.
In Murphy's first clash with the Orangemen his freshman year, a Joyce Center game, he recorded the worst game of his collegiate career, scoring only five points and going 0-for-11 from the free throw line. The Big East Rookie of the Year and the Irish lost 75-63. The next four times Murphy faced Syracuse, he scored more, but never showed his A-game against the Orangemen. Instead, Syracuse shelled Notre Dame in five straight games, including a two-point win last March that squelched Irish hopes of making March Madness. Earlier this month, Murphy, a preseason pick to repeat as Big East Player of the Year and first team All-American, was held to 19 points and five rebounds as Notre Dame lost at Syracuse 79-70.
"Syracuse was a team that I never played well against," Murphy said. "I played my worst game there as a freshman."
Murphy didn't just play well Tuesday — he dominated. He helped the Irish stuff the No. 11 Orangemen by raining in 34 points and seizing 16 rebounds. The win vaulted Notre Dame into a tie with Syracuse for second place in the West Division of the Big East.
"Sooner or later, he's going to get away from you. We've kept him from getting it in low for five games," Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim said. "That's why we've had success against him in the past. That was the difference in the game."
All game long, Murphy wreaked havoc on Syracuse. None of the Orangemen defenders could get a handle on him, with their only outlet to stopping a Murphy field goal being to foul him. That recourse didn't work, as Murphy nailed 16 of 19 attempts from the free throw line.
Making it to the charity stripe was a focal point for Murphy prior to Tuesday's game. Monday before going to bed, he watched tape of the Jan. 2 loss at Syracuse. Tuesday before the game, he replayed the video. Murphy didn't like what he saw.
"I only went to the line one time," Murphy said. "I wasn't very active. I tried to attack the gaps more tonight, and I think I was pretty successful. I can tell how active I am by how many times I get to the line."
Eleven separate trips to the free throw line. Murphy must have been moving more than the Energizer bunny.
The All-American went 9-for-17 from the field, taking advantage of some sweet feeds from his teammates. Senior point guard Martin Ingelsby and sophomore guard Matt Carroll each dished off six assists, and junior small forward David Graves added three.
"When you get the ball two feet from the hoop, you're either going to get a lay-up or a free throw," Graves said. "Troy was at the end of some great penetration and great passes."
Murphy scored at opportune times Tuesday. He spread his 12 first-half points out throughout the period, allowing Notre Dame to keep a healthy lead until the Orangemen turned up the intensity just before halftime.
In the second stanza, Murphy sliced Syracuse's defenses early on, scoring the first seven points for the Irish. The Orangemen never did manage to corral Murphy. Whether they cornered him, double-teamed him or fouled him in frustration, Murphy still found a way to the hoop. Murphy turned in arguably the best all-around performance of his career. It was his 15th 30-point night, but he added 16 rebounds to boot against Syracuse. More importantly, the Irish won, launching them into contention for a Big East Championship for the first time ever.
Murphy was as tough as someone walking on hot lava coals, and the Irish sailed to the easy win. With more monumental efforts from Murphy, Brey will have to rehang the NCAA Tournament brackets he removed during Irish woes earlier this season.
If Murphy hangs up the kinds of numbers he did Tuesday, all opponents will be able to do is watch and weep.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, January 24, 2001
