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Nov. 13, 1997

Notre Dame Impressive in Final Tuneup Before Season Opener

NOTRE DAME, Ind. --- Sheila McMillen scored 16 points to lead all scores as Notre Dame cruised to a 66-34 victory over Slavyanka (Russia) in its final exhibition test before the season opener on Tuesday, November 18 versus Butler.

Julie Henderson hauled down nine rebounds for the Irish.

The Irish led for the entire contest and used a tough defensive which bothered the visitors all night. Notre Dame held Slavyanka to 23.3 percent shooting for the game as the squad connected on just 14 of 60 field goal attempts. The Irish defense also forced 22 turnovers.

Notre Dame led 31-17 at the half and by as many as 37 in the second half. The Irish began the second half oustscoring Slavaynka 20-3.

Notre Dame dominated every facet of the game and outrebounded the visitors 57-42.

Danielle Green was the only other player in double figures as she netted 10 points and dished off a game-high six assists. Julie Henderson grabbed nine rebounds, while freshman Kelley Siemon had eight points and eight rebounds.

The Irish shot 38.8 percent from the field and was just 10 of 22 from the free throw line. After hitting just 35.5 percent from the field in the first half, Notre Dame connected on 42.4 percent from the floor making 14 of 33 shots.

Anastasia Mefodieva was the leading scorer for Slavyanka as she finished with 10 points.

"We started the game somewhat tentative," Notre Dame head coach Muffet McGraw said. "In the second half, I think we played much better offensively. We did a lot of things well defensively.

"After halftime, we switched defenses and put a lot of pressure on the ball which I think confused them a lot. After two exhibition games, we now know were we are and what we have to improve on. Even though we are a young team, we have a great deal of confidence heading into our season opener."

McGraw's squad will open up at home against Butler on Tuesday, November 10 at 7:00 p.m. Prior to the game, there will be an unveiling of the Final Four banner.