Hidalgo’s 28 Points Lead Notre Dame Past Miami in ACC Tournament

Article by: Raymond Forte

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball used a strong second half performance to defeat the Miami Hurricanes women’s basketball 69–54 in the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament.

Both teams came out shooting efficiently in the opening quarter, each connecting on more than 50 percent of their shots. Miami was led early by Ahnay Adams, who scored seven points in the first quarter. Notre Dame countered behind Hannah Hidalgo and Cassandre Prosper, who each scored nine points in the opening period to help the Fighting Irish maintain control.

The second quarter turned into a defensive battle. The first points of the period did not come until the 6:29 mark when Vanessa de Jesus knocked down a shot for Notre Dame. Miami struggled offensively and went more than half the quarter without scoring. The Hurricanes’ first basket of the period came at the 3:48 mark, and their second came at the 2:29 mark on a shot from Gal Raviv.

Both teams combined to shoot just 2 for 14 during that stretch, and Miami finished the quarter shooting 2 for 11 from the field. The Hurricanes scored only four points in the period, tying the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets women’s basketball for the lowest scoring quarter in ACC tournament history.

Miami’s offense showed signs of life in the third quarter as the Hurricanes shot over 60 percent from the field. However, Notre Dame remained in control behind the play of Hidalgo. The standout guard scored 12 of her game high 28 points in the third quarter alone. Miami scored 12 points as a team during the period, but Notre Dame closed the quarter on a 6–0 run to extend its lead to 58–40 heading into the fourth quarter.

Raviv knocked down a three pointer at the 6:11 mark of the fourth quarter to cut the deficit to 11, but Notre Dame continued to control the pace of the game. Hidalgo’s scoring and the Irish defense ultimately proved too much as Notre Dame secured the 69–54 victory.

With the win, the Fighting Irish advance to face the No. 4 seed NC State Wolfpack women’s basketball in the next round of the ACC Women’s Basketball Tournament.