Notre Dame Deals UConn First Loss of the Season: Hannah Hidalgo Shines, Huskies Falter

Notre Dame made a statement on Thursday night, handing No. 2 UConn their first loss of the season with a commanding 79-68 victory. The Fighting Irish were led by sophomore sensation Hannah Hidalgo, who delivered a near triple-double performance, tallying 29 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

Hidalgo’s Star Power

Hidalgo’s dominance was on full display as she propelled her team to its third win over a top-five opponent this season. Notre Dame now holds an impressive 3-0 record against elite teams, while the rest of Division I women’s basketball has gone a combined 3-41 against top-five opponents.

Earlier in the evening, Hidalgo was honored at Purcell Pavilion for becoming the fastest player in Notre Dame history to reach 1,000 career points. Her performance matched the moment, with 17 of her points coming in the first half, as Notre Dame built an 11-point lead by halftime.

Although UConn fought back to narrow the gap to one point at the end of the third quarter, Hidalgo’s clutch 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the period gave the Irish a 56-52 edge heading into the final frame. Notre Dame regained a double-digit lead early in the fourth quarter, and while UConn star Paige Bueckers tried to rally her team, the Huskies never managed to recover fully.

Key Takeaways from UConn’s First Defeat

Bueckers Needs More Support

Paige Bueckers delivered a valiant effort for UConn, scoring 25 points on 11-of-20 shooting despite Notre Dame’s tough defense, led by Sonia Citron. However, Bueckers’ efforts weren’t enough, as the Huskies sorely missed Azzi Fudd, who sat out due to a minor knee sprain. Fudd, UConn’s third-leading scorer, could have provided the offensive and defensive spark the team needed.

Sarah Strong added 14 points and seven rebounds but struggled with foul trouble, limiting her impact. UConn head coach Geno Auriemma acknowledged the lack of contributions from the rest of the roster, stating, “I think for us going forward, we need more contributions from more people.”

Notre Dame’s physical defense also played a significant role, disrupting UConn’s offensive rhythm. The Huskies managed just 10 assists on the night, and their 3-point shooting woes were glaring, going 3-for-16 from beyond the arc.

Notre Dame’s Backcourt Stands Out

Notre Dame’s backcourt duo of Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles continued to impress and even garnered praise from NBA star Ja Morant. Despite tweaking her ankle in the first quarter, Miles bounced back to score 16 points, including two clutch 3-pointers. Nine of her points came in the final 10 minutes, solidifying Notre Dame’s control of the game.

Forward Liatu King also played a crucial role, contributing 16 points and 12 rebounds. Together, Hidalgo, Miles, and King showcased the depth and versatility that make Notre Dame a formidable contender.

UConn’s Challenges Moving Forward

Coach Auriemma acknowledged his team’s shortcomings, particularly in perimeter shooting and offensive execution. “I would say there’s two concerns,” Auriemma said. “One, we weren’t able to get enough [3-point shots], and two, we didn’t make enough of them.”

While Kaitlyn Chen and Sarah Strong each contributed from beyond the arc, Bueckers struggled, going 0-for-4 from deep. The absence of Fudd’s defensive presence and shooting capabilities was felt throughout the game.

What’s Next for Notre Dame?

With this victory, Notre Dame solidifies its position as a top contender this season. Hidalgo’s breakout performance, coupled with the team’s physical defense and dynamic backcourt, makes the Fighting Irish a team to watch as the season progresses. If Hidalgo and Miles continue their stellar play, Notre Dame’s ceiling appears sky-high.

As for UConn, this loss serves as a wake-up call. The Huskies must regroup, address their offensive stagnation, and find ways to support their star players. With Azzi Fudd’s return expected soon, UConn hopes to bounce back stronger in the weeks to come.