No. 2 Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Upsets No. 7 Cal as Hannah Hidalgo Leads the Scoring Race in 73-64 Victory

 

In a thrilling showdown, No. 2 Notre Dame women’s basketball took down No. 7 California with a commanding 73-64 victory, led by an outstanding performance from freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo. The Fighting Irish showcased their defensive grit and offensive firepower to secure the upset, strengthening their case as one of the top teams in the nation.

 

Hidalgo was the star of the night, dominating the scoring column with an impressive display of skill and determination. She finished with a game-high point total, leading her team both in transition and in half-court sets. Her ability to penetrate the defense, create opportunities, and finish at the rim proved to be the difference-maker for Notre Dame. Alongside her scoring, Hidalgo contributed with key assists and defensive plays that kept the Golden Bears at bay.

 

The game started as a back-and-forth battle, with Cal relying on its size and rebounding to control the pace early on. However, Notre Dame’s tenacious defense forced crucial turnovers, allowing them to push the tempo and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. By halftime, the Fighting Irish had built a narrow lead, setting the stage for a hard-fought second half.

 

In the third quarter, Notre Dame began to pull away as Hidalgo and her teammates found their rhythm offensively. The Irish capitalized on their perimeter shooting, stretching Cal’s defense and creating driving lanes. Despite a strong push from Cal’s star players, including a late-game rally, Notre Dame remained composed, knocking down critical free throws and executing well in the closing minutes.

 

Notre Dame’s win not only strengthens their tournament seeding but also further cements Hidalgo’s status as one of the most electrifying players in college basketball. With her continued stellar performances, the Fighting Irish are poised for a deep postseason run.

 

On the other hand, Cal will look to regroup after the tough loss, focusing on adjustments before their next matchup. While the Golden Bears showed resilience, they were ultimately unable to contain Notre Dame’s relentless attack.

 

As March Madness looms, this victory serves as a statement win for Notre Dame, proving they have the talent and determination to take on the nation’s best. With Hidalgo leading the charge, the Fighting Irish are a force to be reckoned with.