Hannah Hidalgo shined for Notre Dame, scoring 21 points as the Fighting Irish defeated Michigan 76-55 in the women’s NCAA Tournament’s second round. This victory marks Notre Dame’s fourth straight trip to the Sweet 16, where they will face either TCU or Louisville.
Olivia Miles, who had been nursing an ankle injury, returned to the court and contributed with eight points, five assists, and four rebounds. Liatu King had a standout performance, achieving a double-double with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Sonia Citron added 16 points to the scoreboard.
Notre Dame started strong, jumping out to an early 11-2 lead and finishing the first quarter ahead 32-12. They looked dominant, reminiscent of their earlier season victories against tough opponents like Texas and UConn. This was particularly striking because the Irish had dropped three of their last five games leading up to this tournament.
On the other side, Michigan struggled offensively, scoring only 55 points – a season low for them. They had been averaging 78.2 points per game, making this a significant drop. Freshmen Olivia Olson and Syla Swords led the Wolverines with 20 and 17 points, respectively.
Interestingly, this trend of strong tournament performances by Notre Dame women’s basketball isn’t new. Historically, the program has built a reputation for resilience and skill, consistently reaching the later stages of the tournament. According to a 2022 NCAA report, women’s basketball viewership has surged, with millions tuning in to watch games. This increased visibility is paving the way for more support and recognition for female athletes across the board.
As the tournament progresses, fans are keen to see how teams adapt and respond. Social media is buzzing with discussions about team strategies and player performances, reflecting the growing excitement around women’s sports.
For more details on the NCAA tournament, you can check out the latest updates here: NCAA Women’s Bracket and March Madness coverage.
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