In a pivotal week for Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) women’s basketball, Notre Dame’s championship aspirations under head coach Niele Ivey have encountered significant challenges. The Fighting Irish, previously dominant with a 24-2 overall record and a 15-0 mark in the ACC, have suffered consecutive losses that jeopardize their hold on the regular-season title.

 

The downturn began with a double-overtime thriller against No. 13 NC State on February 23, 2025. The Wolfpack, led by sophomore guard Zoe Brooks’ career-high 33 points and 10 rebounds, edged out Notre Dame with a 104-95 victory. Brooks, a former high school rival and AAU teammate of Notre Dame’s star guard Hannah Hidalgo, showcased her prowess in a high-stakes matchup. Despite a valiant effort from the Irish, including a clutch three-pointer by Sonia Citron to force overtime, NC State’s resilience prevailed. This loss marked Notre Dame’s first in ACC play this season and highlighted the intensifying rivalry between the two programs. citeturn0news15

 

The challenges compounded on February 27, 2025, when Notre Dame faced No. 24 Florida State at home. The Seminoles, under the guidance of head coach Brooke Wyckoff, orchestrated a formidable comeback. After trailing by 15 points early in the second quarter, Florida State unleashed a 28-3 run, seizing momentum and ultimately securing an 86-81 victory. Freshman guard Ta’Niya Latson led the charge with 23 points, nine assists, and five rebounds, including a pivotal 13-point surge in the fourth quarter. This defeat not only ended Notre Dame’s year-long home winning streak but also relinquished their control over the ACC regular-season title race. citeturn0search6

 

Head coach Niele Ivey, reflecting on the recent setbacks, emphasized the team’s need to regroup and focus on the immediate challenges ahead. “The goal is the next 40 minutes,” Ivey stated, underscoring the importance of concentrating on upcoming games rather than dwelling on past losses. citeturn0search1

 

To reclaim a share of the ACC regular-season championship, Notre Dame must secure a victory against Louisville in their final regular-season game and hope for an NC State loss to SMU. If both teams win, they will share the title, but the Wolfpack would claim the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament due to their head-to-head victory over the Irish. citeturn0search0

 

These consecutive losses have not only impacted Notre Dame’s standing within the conference but also raised questions about their seeding in the upcoming NCAA Tournament. Once projected as a No. 1 seed, the Irish may now need a strong showing in the ACC Tournament to secure a top spot in the national bracket. citeturn0search2

 

As the postseason approaches, the resilience and adaptability of Ivey’s squad will be tested. The recent performances of NC State under head coach Wes Moore and Florida State under Brooke Wyckoff have demonstrated that the path to the ACC title is fiercely contested, and Notre Dame will need to regroup swiftly to navigate the challenges that lie ahead.

 

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