Hannah Hidalgo leads Notre Dame to upset victory over UConn

In a matchup held on December 12, 2024, in South Bend, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame battled against the second-ranked University of Connecticut (UConn) in a highly anticipated college basketball game. Hannah Hidalgo delivered a standout performance for Notre Dame, recording 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. This win marked a significant moment for the Fighting Irish, handing UConn their first loss of the season and improving their record to 8-2. After experiencing some struggles, the Fighting Irish showcased their resilience on the court. Olivia Miles also contributed significantly to the team's success, scoring 16 points despite recovering from an early ankle injury. Liatu King matched her with another 16 points, indicating a collective team effort in overcoming their opponents. Notably, UConn, who entered the game with an 8-1 record, was led by Paige Bueckers, who scored 25 points but ultimately could not secure a victory for her team. Additionally, Sarah Strong put forth a commendable performance with 14 points. One of the pivotal factors in Notre Dame's victory was their defensive strategy, which forced UConn into poor shooting numbers from beyond the arc. The Huskies managed only 3-of-16 shooting from three-point range, and they could not find their rhythm in the first half, going 0-for-7. In contrast, the Fighting Irish capitalized on their outside shooting, hitting 10 out of 18 from three-point territory. This discrepancy in shooting efficiency played a crucial role in the final score. The game's momentum shifted significantly when UConn closed an 11-point halftime deficit to just one point at 53-52 late in the third quarter. However, Hidalgo's timely three-pointer at the buzzer not only halted UConn's advancement but also spurred Notre Dame to a strong lead as they opened the fourth quarter with six consecutive points. Following this, UConn could never get closer than six points for the rest of the game, solidifying Notre Dame's lead. Moving forward, Notre Dame is set to host Eastern Michigan while UConn will face Georgetown in an upcoming Big East contest. This victory serves as a critical boost for Notre Dame's season, particularly following a challenging beginning, and firmly establishes them as a formidable opponent in the NCAA landscape.