Notre Dame looks to extend winning streak
By BRIAN KESSLER
Sports Editor
Two weeks ago, first-year head coach Matt Doherty presented his players with a challenge. They could either give up or make one last run.
The Irish basketball team has chosen the latter.
"After coach said that, I think the whole team realized we needed to make a move," freshman shooting guard Matt Carroll said. "If we didn't, our goal of making the NCAA Tournament would be shattered. We've gone out and won a couple of games and hopefully we can win a few more."
Since Doherty's challenge, Notre Dame (16-10, 7-5) hasn't flinched while knocking off nationally ranked opponents Connecticut and Seton Hall.
Notre Dame will look to make it three in a row when it hosts Providence tonight at the Joyce Center. Last year, the Irish beat the Friars twice during the regular season.
Riding the back of All-American Troy Murphy, Notre Dame emerged as a contender in the Big East and put itself in position for its first NCAA Tournament berth since the 1990-91 season.
Providence's season has been just the opposite. The Friars are 9-16 on the season and in the basement of the conference standings with a 2-10 mark. Providence had lost 10 straight games, but managed to upset third-place Miami on the road last week.
"They are an athletic team and play aggressive man-to-man defense," Carroll said. "They beat Miami so we know it will be a tough challenge and we can't take them lightly."
The Friars are led by Erron Maxey and Florida State transfer Karim Shabazz. Maxey averages 15.3 points per game and 7.8 rebounds per contest, while the 7-foot-3 Shabazz averages 11.6 and 8.4.
On defense, the Irish will look to pack in their zone to stop Maxey and Shabazz on the inside. The Friars haven't been very successful from the perimeter.
"We know they are going to try to look inside," Carroll said. "Shabazz is listed at 7-foot-3 so they're big. We going to try to pack it on to stop them."
The Irish will try to counter with Murphy who leads the conference in scoring and rebounding. Murphy is coming off a 35-point, 8-rebound performance against Seton Hall. He averages 23.5 points per game (fourth in the nation) and 10.7 rebounds (seventh in the country).
David Graves (13 points per game) and Carroll (9.9 points per game) have also been key contributors for the Irish this season. Graves has broken out of his shooting slump and responded with a 15-point (6-for-9 from the field) effort against the Pirates.
"We need to focus on coming out mentally prepared to play," Carroll said. "We need to play with intensity and emotion and just lay it all on the line."
The Irish have played well at home all season, posting a 13-2 record at the Joyce Center. After tonight's showdown with Providence, however, Notre Dame has three difficult games remaining — including two on the road — which could make or break the season.
"The fans and students help us a ton," Carroll said. "They have been unbelievable and motivate us to be at our best at home. They give us incentive to play our hardest."
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
All Sports Stories for Wednesday, February 23, 2000
