5 Key Insights from Notre Dame’s Dominant Victory Against UConn

Hannah Hidalgo’s Stellar Performance Leads Notre Dame to Upset Over UConn

In a thrilling showdown on Thursday, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo showcased her immense talent and determination, leading the Fighting Irish to a stunning 79-68 upset over the previously undefeated No. 2 Connecticut Huskies. With an impressive stat line of 29 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, Hidalgo not only solidified her place in the national player of the year conversation but also demonstrated her ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition.

A Rocky Start Turns into a Fiery Finish

Hidalgo’s performance was not without its challenges. The sophomore guard began the game struggling to find her rhythm, missing her first four attempts from beyond the arc as UConn’s defense effectively forced her to her left. However, as the first quarter drew to a close, Hidalgo found her footing. With just 90 seconds remaining, she hit her first three-pointer, unleashing a roar of determination that echoed throughout Purcell Pavilion. This pivotal moment ignited her performance, culminating in a transition three-pointer that not only boosted her confidence but also shifted the momentum firmly in Notre Dame’s favor.

By halftime, Hidalgo had already racked up 17 points, shooting an impressive 4-of-6 from three-point range. Her ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities was crucial, especially as she drained another three-pointer at the end of the third quarter, extending Notre Dame’s lead and effectively quashing any momentum UConn had hoped to build.

A Rising Star in the National Conversation

Hidalgo’s performance against UConn was not an isolated incident; it was the latest in a series of standout games that have positioned her as a frontrunner for the Naismith and Wooden Player of the Year awards. Averaging 24.6 points per game, she has consistently delivered in high-stakes matchups, including a 24-point outing against then-No. 3 Southern Cal and a season-high 30 points against then-No. 6 Texas. Her versatility as a scorer, combined with her defensive prowess—averaging 4.1 steals per game—makes her a dual threat on both ends of the court.

UConn’s Struggles Without Fudd

While Hidalgo shone brightly, UConn faced significant challenges, particularly in the absence of shooting guard Azzi Fudd, who was sidelined with a minor knee injury. Fudd’s absence was felt acutely as the Huskies struggled to find their shooting touch, going 0-of-7 from three-point range until Sarah Strong finally connected early in the second half. The lack of outside shooting allowed Notre Dame to focus its defensive efforts on Paige Bueckers, who led UConn with 24 points but was unable to convert from beyond the arc.

UConn’s shooting woes were compounded by foul trouble, particularly for Strong, who found herself in foul difficulty early in the second quarter. This forced head coach Geno Auriemma to adjust his lineup, but the offensive stagnation was evident, with only Bueckers appearing willing to take shots.

Notre Dame’s Resurgence as a Top Team

Despite a rocky start to the season, Notre Dame has proven itself as a legitimate contender, having now defeated three top-five teams this season. After suffering two unexpected losses during a Thanksgiving tournament, the Fighting Irish have rebounded impressively. The return of Liza Karlen, who played her first minutes of the season after recovering from an injury, adds depth to an already formidable roster. Karlen’s contributions, along with standout performances from players like Liatu King—who recorded a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds—underscore Notre Dame’s potential as a top-five team.

The Rivalry’s Recent Challenges

The storied rivalry between UConn and Notre Dame has been marred by injuries in recent years, preventing fans from witnessing both teams at full strength. The matchup has historically featured some of the best players in women’s college basketball, but recent seasons have seen key players sidelined. Bueckers, Miles, and Fudd, all eligible for the upcoming WNBA Draft, have yet to face each other in a game where both teams were at their peak.

As the season progresses, the hope remains that these elite players will have the opportunity to compete against one another in a fully healthy state, reigniting the fierce rivalry that has captivated fans for decades.

Conclusion

Hannah Hidalgo’s electrifying performance against UConn not only highlights her individual brilliance but also signals a resurgence for Notre Dame as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Hidalgo and her Fighting Irish teammates as they continue to challenge the best in the nation, while UConn will need to regroup and find its rhythm in the absence of key players. The stage is set for an exciting season ahead, filled with potential matchups that could redefine the landscape of women’s basketball.