In a challenging week for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball, Head Coach Niele Ivey addressed the team’s recent struggles following consecutive losses, including a recent defeat to Florida State. The Fighting Irish, previously leading the ACC, now face a critical juncture as they prepare for their upcoming game against Louisville.

 

On February 27, 2025, Notre Dame fell to No. 24 Florida State with a final score of 86-81 at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend. The game saw the Irish build a 15-point lead early in the second quarter, only for the Seminoles to respond with a decisive 21-3 run, shifting momentum in their favor. Despite efforts to regain control, Notre Dame was unable to overcome Florida State’s resilience. citeturn0search7

 

This loss came on the heels of a double-overtime defeat to NC State on February 23, where the Irish were edged out in a closely contested matchup. The back-to-back losses have not only impacted team morale but also altered the landscape of the ACC standings. Notre Dame now needs a victory against Louisville and must rely on an NC State loss to SMU to secure the conference title outright. Otherwise, a shared title with NC State is possible, with the Wolfpack holding the tiebreaker for the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament due to their recent win over the Irish. citeturn0search7

 

In her postgame remarks, Coach Ivey emphasized the need for defensive consistency and mental toughness. She acknowledged the team’s strong start against Florida State but highlighted lapses that allowed the Seminoles to seize control. Ivey stressed the importance of learning from these experiences to prepare for the challenges ahead, particularly with the ACC Tournament on the horizon.

 

Looking forward, the matchup against Louisville becomes pivotal. A win would not only bolster the team’s confidence but also keep their hopes alive for an outright ACC title. Coach Ivey and her staff are likely focusing on addressing defensive breakdowns and ensuring the team maintains composure during critical stretches of the game.

 

The recent setbacks serve as a reminder of the competitiveness within the ACC and the necessity for sustained focus and resilience. As the season progresses, the Fighting Irish aim to regroup and demonstrate the tenacity that has characterized their play throughout the season.

 

For a more in-depth perspective, you can watch Coach Ivey’s postgame press conference below:

 

videoFlorida State (02.27.25) | Notre Dame Women’s Basketballturn0search0