In a thrilling face-off that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo delivered a performance to remember, decisively tipping the scales against UConn in a nail-biting encounter. The showdown on Thursday night saw a stark contrast in fortunes as Hidalgo’s brilliance overshadowed Paige Bueckers’ valiant efforts to rally her team. With the game hanging in balance and Notre Dame’s lead cut down to a slender one point as the third quarter ticked away, Hidalgo’s last-second 3-pointer was nothing short of cinematic.
The buzzer-beater not only concluded the quarter on a high note but also reinvigorated the Fighting Irish, who surged ahead in the final quarter to secure a 79-68 victory over the No. 2 ranked Huskies. Hidalgo, standing just 5-foot-6, ended the match with a staggering 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, a testament to her all-around game. This marked her second commanding performance against UConn, having led her team to victory last year as well with a similarly impressive stat line. “Notre Dame has a lot of outstanding players, but Hannah is obviously the head of the snake,” Bueckers commented post-game. “She’s a pest. The best thing that she does is her energy and her attitude, and she leads her team with that and her fire.”
Bueckers’ Struggle Against a Rigorous Defense
Despite her best efforts, Bueckers, a 6-foot senior and fellow All-American, managed to score 25 points under the intense scrutiny of Notre Dame’s defense. UConn’s head coach Geno Auriemma was vocal about the need for his team to ease the burden on Bueckers, who he feels sometimes tries to do too much on her own. “You have to take some of the pressure off of Paige,” Auriemma insisted. “Sometimes she’s her own worst enemy. She over-penetrates to try to get something in traffic to get to the free throw line… she makes it a little harder on herself than it has to be.” The game underscored the tactical nuances of college basketball, where star players like Bueckers are often targeted by rigorous defensive strategies. Auriemma’s call to action highlights the need for a more balanced offensive approach to support Bueckers, allowing her to maximize her impact without overextending herself.
Looking Ahead
As the season progresses, the dynamics within the UConn team will be crucial. The ability to adapt and distribute the gameplay more evenly could be the key to overcoming top-tier teams like Notre Dame. Meanwhile, Hidalgo’s rising profile as a big-stage player continues to make waves across college basketball, promising more electrifying performances in the games to come. This duel between two of college basketball’s finest not only showcased individual brilliance but also the strategic depths teams delve into to clinch victory. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on these remarkable athletes and their teams as they navigate the highs and lows of the fiercely competitive landscape of women’s college basketball.