Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Stumbles as No. 24 FSU Upsets Fighting Irish, Dropping Them from No. 1 to No. 3

 

In a stunning upset, the No. 24 Florida State Seminoles edged out the top-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish, dealing them a crushing blow and knocking them down to No. 3 in the rankings. The Seminoles delivered an inspired performance, capitalizing on key moments to secure a hard-fought victory and shake up the landscape of women’s college basketball.

 

Notre Dame entered the matchup as the nation’s No. 1 team, riding a wave of momentum and high expectations. However, FSU had other plans, displaying resilience, strong defense, and clutch shooting to pull off the upset. The game was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads and neither willing to back down.

 

Florida State’s defense played a crucial role in slowing down Notre Dame’s usually high-powered offense. The Fighting Irish struggled with efficiency, shooting a lower percentage than usual and facing constant pressure from FSU’s aggressive defense. Turnovers and missed opportunities plagued Notre Dame, allowing the Seminoles to stay within striking distance throughout the contest.

 

On the offensive end, FSU’s guards played a pivotal role, making key shots in crunch time. Their ability to attack the basket and hit timely three-pointers helped them keep pace with the Irish. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s struggles at the free-throw line and an uncharacteristic shooting slump in the final minutes proved costly.

 

Despite a valiant effort by the Fighting Irish, FSU’s composure down the stretch made the difference. Clutch free throws in the final seconds sealed the win, sending shockwaves through the rankings. With this loss, Notre Dame drops from the No. 1 spot to No. 3, leaving room for other teams to rise in the standings.

 

For the Fighting Irish, this loss serves as a wake-up call as they look to regroup and regain their dominant form. Head coach Niele Ivey will need to address the team’s offensive struggles and late-game execution to ensure they bounce back stronger. Meanwhile, Florida State’s victory solidifies them as a dangerous contender, proving they can compete with the nation’s best.

 

With the postseason approaching, both teams will look to build on this game—Notre Dame aiming for redemption and FSU seeking to carry this momentum forward. This thrilling showdown sets the stage for an exciting finish to the women’s college basketball season.