Notre Dame freshman guard Hannah Hidalgo delivered a breakout performance Sunday, leading the Fighting Irish to a stunning 74-68 upset victory over No. 21 Ohio State. Hidalgo’s dynamic play, marked by aggressive drives and clutch shooting, was a key factor in securing the win for Notre Dame in the first game of the Emerald Coast Classic. The victory, a significant early-season result for the Irish, showcased Hidalgo’s potential as a rising star in women’s college basketball.
The game, played in Niceville, Florida, saw Hidalgo score a game-high 22 points, adding 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Her ability to penetrate the Ohio State defense and create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates proved difficult for the Buckeyes to contain. Hidalgo’s performance wasn’t just about scoring; her energy and defensive pressure set the tone for Notre Dame throughout the contest. This win marks a strong statement for a Notre Dame team looking to re-establish itself as a national contender after a period of transition.
The freshman guard wasn’t alone in her contributions. Senior forward Maddy Westbeld added 17 points and 9 rebounds for the Irish, providing a veteran presence alongside Hidalgo’s youthful exuberance. Notre Dame shot 46.7% from the field, and 33.3% from three-point range, demonstrating efficient offense. Ohio State, led by Celeste Taylor’s 16 points, struggled to find consistent offense, shooting just 38.2% from the field. The Buckeyes’ leading scorer, Taylor, also contributed 7 rebounds and 3 assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Notre Dame’s balanced attack.
Hidalgo’s Impact: A Rising Star Emerges
Hidalgo, a 5-foot-8 guard from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a highly-touted recruit coming out of Archbishop John Carroll High School. She was named a McDonald’s All-American and a WBCA All-American in 2023, signaling her potential to make an immediate impact at the collegiate level. Her early success at Notre Dame is validating those expectations. According to her Notre Dame bio, Hidalgo averaged 21.6 points, 6.8 assists, and 4.2 steals as a senior in high school. Notre Dame Athletics
What sets Hidalgo apart is her fearless approach to the game. She consistently attacked the basket, drawing fouls and creating scoring opportunities. Her court vision and passing ability also allowed her to find open teammates, contributing to Notre Dame’s balanced offensive performance. The freshman didn’t shy away from the moment, taking – and making – crucial shots down the stretch. Her confidence and poise beyond her years are already drawing comparisons to some of the program’s most successful guards.
Game Recap: Notre Dame Controls the Tempo
Notre Dame established control early, building a lead in the first quarter through aggressive defense and efficient offense. Ohio State battled back in the second quarter, but the Irish maintained a narrow lead heading into halftime. The third quarter saw Hidalgo capture over, scoring several key baskets and igniting the Notre Dame offense. The Irish extended their lead in the fourth quarter, holding off a late Ohio State rally to secure the victory.
A critical stretch in the fourth quarter saw Hidalgo convert a tough layup while drawing a foul, followed by a steal and a fast-break assist. These plays exemplified her all-around impact on the game. Ohio State attempted to close the gap with three-point shooting, but Notre Dame’s defense consistently contested those shots, forcing difficult attempts. The final minutes of the game were marked by strong free-throw shooting from both teams, but Notre Dame ultimately prevailed.
Looking Ahead: Emerald Coast Classic and Beyond
Notre Dame will continue play in the Emerald Coast Classic, facing either Penn State or Florida State in the next round on Monday. This tournament provides a valuable opportunity for the Irish to test themselves against quality opponents and build momentum early in the season. The team’s performance against Ohio State demonstrates their potential to compete with the top teams in the country. The schedule continues with games against SIU Edwardsville and Western Kentucky before entering conference play in January.
For Hidalgo, the upset win over Ohio State is just the beginning. She has the potential to become one of the most exciting players in women’s college basketball, and her continued development will be crucial to Notre Dame’s success. The coaching staff will likely focus on refining her decision-making and improving her consistency as she gains more experience at the collegiate level. The emergence of a player like Hidalgo provides a significant boost to the program’s recruiting efforts, attracting other top talent to South Bend. The next game in the Emerald Coast Classic will be a key test for both Hidalgo and the Irish as they look to build on this impressive victory.
This win for Notre Dame is a testament to their team chemistry and the impact of a freshman phenom. Hannah Hidalgo’s performance is a story to watch as the season unfolds.
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