On the road in Louisville, the No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish got past a tough Cardinals team, 89-71. Fighting Irish superstar Hannah Hidalgo once again made a great case for Player of then Year honors with another stellar game. Hidalgo scored a game-high 34 points on 12-21 shooting to go along with 6 rebounds,
The 2024-2025 ACC Women’s Basketball season has been filled with thrilling matchups, and one of the most anticipated games of the year came between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Louisville Cardinals. Both programs are historically strong in women’s basketball, and this game promised high-level competition. Played on February 15, 2025, at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky, the game was a perfect showcase of two of the top teams in the ACC.
Pre-Game Expectations: A Battle of Titans
Before the game, much of the attention was on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, led by coach Niele Ivey. With their star guard, Olivia Miles, in the mix, Notre Dame entered the game with a strong record and hopes of maintaining their top position in the ACC standings. Notre Dame’s dynamic offensive style, spearheaded by Hannah Hidalgo, a rising star, had made them one of the most exciting teams in the country.
On the other hand, the Louisville Cardinals, under head coach Jeff Walz, were no strangers to high-pressure games. Louisville, with players like Hailey Van Lith and Olivia Cochran, had established themselves as an elite program year after year. Known for their defensive tenacity and balanced offensive attack, the Cardinals were determined to prove their worth in front of their home crowd and show that they could contend with the best in the country.
First Quarter: Fast-Paced Action
From the tip-off, the game was fast-paced, with both teams displaying aggressive offense and stout defense. Louisville came out of the gate strong, looking to set the tone early. Hailey Van Lith, known for her leadership and scoring ability, made an early impact with a quick pull-up jumper, giving Louisville the early advantage. Her ability to drive to the basket while also spreading the floor made her a constant threat.
However, Notre Dame quickly answered with their own offensive firepower. Olivia Miles, one of the most talented point guards in the country, showcased her playmaking ability by setting up her teammates and contributing points. Her passing vision was on full display, and she fed Sonia Citron, who was a key threat on the perimeter. Citron hit a couple of early three-pointers to give Notre Dame an early lead.
By the end of the first quarter, the teams were neck-and-neck. Notre Dame had a slight edge, leading 22-21, as both teams adjusted to each other’s pace. The intensity of the game was palpable, and fans knew they were in for a thrilling contest.
Second Quarter: Notre Dame’s Offensive Surge
The second quarter was where Notre Dame began to make their move. While Louisville was still playing solid defense, Notre Dame‘s offensive fluidity was on full display. Hannah Hidalgo began to take over, scoring from all over the floor, including a few tough mid-range jumpers and a couple of fast-break layups. The young guard’s ability to finish at the rim, even with defenders around her, made her nearly unstoppable.
Louisville, however, wasn’t backing down. Olivia Cochran, the standout forward for the Cardinals, kept Louisville within striking distance by controlling the paint. Cochran dominated the boards and worked hard to get easy baskets inside. But the key for Louisville in this stretch was their defense. Despite the offensive onslaught from Notre Dame, the Cardinals managed to force several turnovers and convert them into fast-break opportunities.
The back-and-forth nature of the game continued into the second half of the quarter, but it was Notre Dame’s defense that ultimately made the difference. They managed to stifle Louisville’s offensive rhythm, and with Olivia Miles hitting a big three-pointer at the buzzer, Notre Dame finished the first half with a solid 47-39 lead.
Third Quarter: Louisville Fights Back
Heading into the third quarter, Louisville needed to make adjustments. They came out energized, with Hailey Van Lith leading the charge. The junior guard’s ability to attack the basket and draw fouls gave Louisville a much-needed boost. She went on a mini-scoring spree, knocking down contested jumpers and earning free throws. Her leadership helped the Cardinals cut into the lead and create momentum.
Defensively, Louisville started to press Notre Dame more aggressively. This resulted in some key steals and allowed them to generate fast-break points. While Notre Dame’s offense was still productive, Louisville’s resilience started to show. The Cardinals tightened up defensively and made it difficult for Miles to operate as freely as she did in the first half.
In a pivotal moment, Louisville’s defense forced a shot clock violation on Notre Dame, and at the other end, Olivia Cochran scored two quick baskets, tying the game at 54-54. It was clear that Louisville was not backing down, and they were starting to get comfortable with the pace of the game.
As the third quarter drew to a close, Notre Dame maintained a slight lead, 61-58, but it was clear that the game was far from decided. The intensity was reaching its peak, and both teams seemed ready to go toe-to-toe in the final quarter.
Fourth Quarter: Notre Dame Closes Strong
The final quarter saw both teams battling for supremacy, but it was Notre Dame’s experience and depth that ultimately made the difference. As the game wore on, Olivia Miles started to take control, both scoring and setting up her teammates. Her poise under pressure was evident as she ran the offense with ease, keeping Louisville’s defense on its heels. Hidalgo continued to shine, adding more points and contributing to the team’s overall success.
Despite Louisville’s best efforts, the Cardinals couldn’t quite catch up. Hailey Van Lith, though still impactful, struggled with the increased pressure and missed some key shots down the stretch. Notre Dame took advantage of this and pulled away in the final minutes. In the end, Notre Dame walked away with an 82-73 victory.
Key Performances
- Olivia Miles (Notre Dame) had an outstanding game, finishing with 18 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds. Her leadership and ability to make plays in crucial moments were key to Notre Dame’s success.
- Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame) also contributed significantly, scoring 21 points and providing solid defense against Louisville’s perimeter players.
- Hailey Van Lith (Louisville) led the Cardinals with 20 points, but struggled with efficiency in the second half, which proved costly.
- Olivia Cochran (Louisville) was a force in the paint, contributing 16 points and 10 rebounds.
Post-Game Analysis
The victory for Notre Dame solidified their status as one of the top teams in the ACC and nationally. Their combination of dynamic offense and solid defense, led by standout players like Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo, gives them an edge over most teams in the league. Their ability to withstand Louisville’s comeback attempts and close the game out in the fourth quarter speaks to their resilience and championship mentality.
For Louisville, the game was a reminder of the challenges that lie ahead in the ultra-competitive ACC. Though they fought hard, especially in the second and third quarters, their inability to stop Notre Dame’s offensive stars in the final minutes ultimately led to their defeat. Louisville will need to find more consistency on both ends of the floor if they hope to remain a contender.
Conclusion
The Notre Dame vs. Louisville game in the 2024-2025 ACC Women’s Basketball season was an exciting, high-paced matchup between two of the top programs in the nation. Notre Dame emerged victorious, but both teams showcased the talent and intensity that define the ACC. As the season continues, expect both teams to play a significant role in shaping the conference standings, with Notre Dame aiming to build on their strong performance, while Louisville looks to bounce back and refine their game moving forward.
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