The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team demonstrated resilience and skill in their recent 72-59 victory over the Louisville Cardinals, halting a two-game losing streak and securing a share of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) regular-season title. citeturn0news12
Sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo was instrumental in the win, contributing 20 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. Her performance underscored her pivotal role in the team’s success this season. Olivia Miles also made a significant impact, adding 15 points to the scoreboard. Teammates Sonia Citron and Maddy Westbeld each chipped in nine points, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility. citeturn0news12
The game began with both teams displaying tenacity, but Notre Dame managed to secure a 36-28 lead by halftime. Louisville attempted a comeback, narrowing the gap to 40-35. However, the Fighting Irish responded with a decisive 18-5 run to close the third quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach for the Cardinals. Miles played a crucial role during this stretch, scoring seven points, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer that energized her team. citeturn0news12
Defensively, Notre Dame was formidable, limiting Louisville to a 30.1% shooting rate from the field. Jayda Curry was the standout for the Cardinals, leading her team with 19 points. Despite her efforts, Louisville struggled to find their rhythm against Notre Dame’s stifling defense. citeturn0news12
This victory was particularly significant for Notre Dame as it clinched a share of the ACC regular-season title alongside NC State. Although both teams finished with identical conference records, NC State secured the top seed for the upcoming ACC tournament by virtue of their double-overtime win over Notre Dame earlier in the season. Consequently, the Fighting Irish will enter the tournament as the No. 2 seed, eager to showcase their championship aspirations. citeturn0news12
Hidalgo’s performance throughout the season has been noteworthy. Earlier in the year, she became the fastest player in program history to reach 1,000 career points, achieving this milestone with a 24-point, 10-rebound effort in a victory over Syracuse. Her consistent excellence has been a driving force behind Notre Dame’s successful campaign. citeturn0search15
Looking ahead, the Fighting Irish are poised to make a deep run in the ACC tournament. Their balanced offense, spearheaded by Hidalgo and Miles, combined with a staunch defense, positions them as formidable contenders. The team’s resilience, as demonstrated in their bounce-back win over Louisville, reflects their determination to compete at the highest level.
As the postseason approaches, Notre Dame’s focus will be on maintaining their momentum and addressing any areas of improvement identified during the regular season. The leadership of Coach Niele Ivey, coupled with the experience and talent of players like Hidalgo and Miles, will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead.
In summary, the Fighting Irish’s recent victory over Louisville not only halted a brief losing streak but also solidified their status as championship contenders. With key players performing at a high level and a share of the ACC regular-season title secured, Notre Dame’s women’s basketball team is well-positioned for success in the upcoming tournament and beyond.
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