Notre Dame Faces Top-Ranked UConn in Renewed Rivalry Showdown
On Monday evening, a significant match in women’s college basketball will unfold as No. 23 Notre Dame (12-5) takes on the top-ranked UConn (18-0) at Gampel Pavilion. This highly anticipated matchup marks the continuation of a historic rivalry.
Match Preview
The game is set to begin at 5 p.m. and will be broadcast on FOX, featuring commentary from Krista Blunk and Christy Winters Scott. This encounter holds extra weight for both teams, as they face off once again in a storied competition.
Recent Performance
Notre Dame enters the game following a challenging home loss to No. 9 Louisville. They fell short with a score of 66-79. Despite the setback, standout player Hannah Hidalgo shone brightly, scoring 24 points and dishing out eight assists.
Player Highlights
- Hannah Hidalgo: She currently leads the ACC with an impressive average of 25.0 points per game and ranks first in the nation with 5.7 steals per game. Hidalgo is just six steals away from breaking the program record held by Skylar Diggins.
- Cassandre Prosper: Prosper has demonstrated consistent performance with six double-doubles in the last nine games, averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds in that period.
- Iyana Moore: She leads the ACC with 3.4 three-pointers made per game and boasts a success rate of 57.1% from beyond the arc.
Team Statistics
Notre Dame’s team performance has been commendable, with key statistics revealing their competitive edge:
| Category | Rank | Statistic |
|---|---|---|
| Steals per Game | 8th | 14.8 |
| Scoring Offense | 16th | 83.6 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 13th | 48.2% |
| Free Throw Percentage | 8th | 78.8% |
| Turnover Margin | 16th | 8.1 |
Historical Context
In the backdrop of this rivalry, Notre Dame faces UConn with a historical record of 16 wins and 39 losses. However, the Irish have recently had the upper hand, winning their last three encounters by significant margins.
This matchup promises to be a thrilling contest for fans and players alike, offering a blend of talent, strategy, and historical significance in women’s college basketball. Stay tuned as the rivalry reignites on the court.
