In a pivotal matchup on February 17, 2025, the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team secured a decisive 64-49 victory over the No. 11 Duke Blue Devils at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. Senior guard Sonia Citron was instrumental in this win, particularly during a game-defining third-quarter run that shifted the momentum firmly in Notre Dame’s favor.

 

The first half was a closely contested battle, with Duke holding a 19-16 lead after the first quarter. Notre Dame’s defense tightened in the second quarter, limiting Duke to just eight points and edging ahead to a 29-27 lead by halftime. Citron’s impact became pronounced early in the third quarter. She opened the half by scoring Notre Dame’s first six points, showcasing her offensive prowess. Defensively, she made a significant contribution with a block on a three-point attempt by Duke’s Ashlon Jackson. This defensive play was part of a larger 11-0 run, during which Citron’s three steals and overall defensive intensity were pivotal. This surge extended Notre Dame’s lead to 50-35 by the end of the third quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach for Duke. citeturn0search4

 

Citron’s all-around performance was remarkable; she tallied 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, three steals, and one block. Her leadership on both ends of the court exemplified her role as a senior guard and underscored her importance to the team’s success. Freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo also made significant contributions, leading all scorers with 19 points and adding four assists. Forward Maddy Westbeld was efficient, contributing 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting from the field. citeturn0search4

 

Duke’s offensive struggles were evident, particularly in the third quarter, where they managed only eight points. The Blue Devils were limited to 1-of-9 shooting from beyond the arc for the game, highlighting Notre Dame’s defensive effectiveness. Duke’s leading scorer, Taina Mair, finished with 15 points but faced challenges maintaining offensive consistency against the stifling Irish defense. citeturn0search7

 

This victory not only reinforced Notre Dame’s No. 1 ranking but also marked their seventh win over a ranked opponent by a margin of 10 points or more this season. The Fighting Irish improved to 23-2 overall and remained undefeated in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) with a 14-0 record. Their defensive tenacity was a cornerstone of this success, as they held Duke to its second-lowest point total of the season. citeturn0search4

 

Looking ahead, Notre Dame aims to maintain their momentum with upcoming games against Miami and No. 13 NC State. As the ACC tournament approaches, the Fighting Irish are positioning themselves as strong contenders, with Citron’s leadership and experience playing a crucial role in their pursuit of conference and national titles.

 

For a visual recap of the game’s highlights, you can watch the following video:

 

videoDuke vs. Notre Dame Game Highlights | 2024-25 ACC Women’s Basketballturn0search0