On Monday night, a highly anticipated clash in women’s college basketball features No. 23 Notre Dame visiting the top-ranked UConn at Gampel Pavilion in Storrs, Connecticut. The tip-off is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be broadcast on FOX. This match rekindles an iconic rivalry in the sport.
Recent Performance of Notre Dame
Notre Dame (12-5) enters this contest following a setback; they suffered a 66-79 defeat at home against No. 9 Louisville last Thursday. Despite the loss, standout player Hannah Hidalgo excelled, recording 24 points and eight assists. Her performance solidifies her position as the leading scorer in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), averaging 25.0 points per game.
Key Players to Watch
- Hannah Hidalgo: Continues to lead the nation in steals with an average of 5.7. She has accumulated 375 career steals, just six shy of the program record.
- Cassandre Prosper: Displays remarkable form, achieving double-doubles in six of her last nine games. She averages 19 points and 10 rebounds in her last ten outings.
- Iyana Moore: Tops the ACC with 3.4 made three-pointers per game, boasting a 57.1 percent conversion rate from beyond the arc.
Notre Dame’s Impressive Stats
As a team, the Irish rank among the nation’s best in several statistical categories:
| Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| 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) |
In conference play, Notre Dame leads the ACC in all the above categories, showcasing their competitive prowess.
Rivalry History
Historically, the Irish have a challenging record against UConn, standing at 16-39 all-time. However, Notre Dame has displayed resilience, triumphing in the last three encounters, all by double-figure margins. This resurgence adds excitement to their impending match-up.
This clash promises not only to renew the rivalry but also to highlight the talents of two elite teams vying for prominence in women’s college basketball. Fans eagerly await what unfolds on the court.
