In a pivotal Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) matchup on February 27, 2025, the No. 24 Florida State Seminoles delivered a significant blow to No. 3 Notre Dame’s title aspirations with an 86-81 upset victory in South Bend. This defeat marked the Fighting Irish’s second consecutive loss, following a double-overtime setback against NC State, and jeopardized their control over the ACC regular-season championship.

 

The game commenced with Notre Dame showcasing dominance, as seven different players contributed to an early lead, culminating in a 23-14 advantage by the end of the first quarter. However, Florida State’s resilience became evident in the second quarter. The Seminoles orchestrated a remarkable 21-3 run, fueled by precise three-point shooting, and outscored the Irish 30-17 in the period, securing a 44-40 lead at halftime. citeturn0search1

 

Florida State’s offensive surge was spearheaded by standout performances from Ta’Niya Latson and Makayla Timpson. Latson, despite a slow start, found her rhythm to contribute 23 points and nine assists, while Timpson added 22 points. Their combined efforts were instrumental in maintaining the Seminoles’ momentum throughout the game. citeturn0search9

 

Notre Dame’s Sonia Citron led all scorers with 21 points, and Liatu King recorded her 12th double-double of the season, amassing 17 points and 11 rebounds. Despite their contributions, the Irish struggled to contain Florida State’s dynamic offense, particularly during critical stretches in the second and third quarters. citeturn0search1

 

This loss has significant implications for Notre Dame’s ACC standings. With a conference record now tied with NC State, the Irish no longer control their destiny for the regular-season title. To clinch the championship outright, Notre Dame must secure a victory against No. 25 Louisville in their final regular-season game and hope for an NC State loss to SMU. Otherwise, both teams will share the title, with NC State holding the tiebreaker for the No. 1 seed in the ACC Tournament due to their recent win over the Irish. citeturn0search3

 

Florida State’s head coach, Brooke Wyckoff, has effectively guided the Seminoles to a 23-6 overall record and a 13-4 mark in ACC play. This victory not only enhances their seeding prospects for the upcoming ACC Tournament but also solidifies their position as a formidable contender in postseason play. citeturn0search5

 

Conversely, Notre Dame’s head coach, Niele Ivey, faces the challenge of regrouping her team after consecutive losses at a critical juncture in the season. The upcoming matchup against Louisville becomes paramount for the Irish to regain momentum and secure favorable positioning as they approach tournament play. citeturn0search7

 

For a visual recap of the game’s highlights, you can watch the condensed game here:

 

videoFlorida State vs. Notre Dame Condensed Gameturn0search6