In a thrilling ACC Tournament semifinal on March 8, 2025, the Duke Blue Devils, under head coach Kara Lawson, secured a 61-56 victory over Niele Ivey’s Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This win propels Duke to its first ACC Championship game appearance since 2017. citeturn0search0

 

Duke’s defense was pivotal, limiting Notre Dame to 42 points through three quarters—their lowest this season. The Blue Devils’ aggressive approach forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 42 points, while Notre Dame managed only six points from turnovers. citeturn0news14 This defensive intensity disrupted Notre Dame’s offensive rhythm, especially in the second half, where they scored just 25 points. citeturn0news12

 

Offensively, Duke showcased depth and resilience. Sophomore guard Oluchi Okananwa led with 14 points and seven rebounds. Freshman standout Toby Fournier, despite limited minutes due to Notre Dame’s defensive focus, contributed crucial plays, including a layup in transition. Junior guard Taina Mair orchestrated the offense efficiently, adding seven rebounds and three steals. citeturn0search1

 

Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo delivered a commendable performance with 23 points and six steals. However, the Fighting Irish struggled with shooting efficiency, managing only 37.5% from the field. citeturn0news12

 

This victory underscores the rapid ascent of both programs under their respective coaches. Lawson’s strategic acumen has transformed Duke into a formidable defensive unit, while Ivey’s leadership has maintained Notre Dame’s competitive edge. citeturn0search2

 

Duke now advances to face No. 1-seed N.C. State in the ACC Championship game on Sunday at 1 p.m. citeturn0search0 Notre Dame will regroup and prepare for the upcoming NCAA Tournament, with their seeding to be announced on Selection Sunday, March 16. citeturn0news12

 

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