SOUTH BEND, Ind. — In a thrilling matchup, Paige Bueckers sought to steer UConn to victory, but Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame had other plans.
With the 8th ranked Fighting Irish just a point away from the second-ranked Huskies as the third quarter drew to a close, Hidalgo made a pivotal 3-pointer right at the buzzer. This crucial basket shifted the momentum, allowing Notre Dame to quickly assert a double-digit advantage in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning the game 79-68.
Hidalgo’s remarkable performance included 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, whereas Bueckers, a seasoned 6-foot senior and an All-American herself, contributed 25 points for UConn.
Bueckers praised Hidalgo, noting, “Notre Dame has numerous exceptional players, but Hannah is clearly the driving force. She excels both offensively and defensively, and her high energy and competitive spirit inspire her teammates.”
This victory marked the second time Hidalgo led Notre Dame (now 8-2) to a significant win over UConn. Earlier in the season, she had an impressive 34-point game that witnessed Notre Dame triumphing 82-67 against the Huskies on the road.
Notre Dame’s head coach, Niele Ivey, remarked on Hidalgo’s ability to perform under pressure, stating, “Hannah proved her mettle last season. She’s an extraordinary player who shines in critical situations.”
This season has seen the 5-foot-6 Hidalgo play an instrumental role in three victories against top-five ranked teams, with Notre Dame previously defeating No. 3 USC and No. 4 Texas before handing UConn their first defeat of the year.
On the day of the game, Hidalgo entered averaging an impressive 24.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 4.1 steals, and she showcased her prowess by sinking six 3-pointers against the tough UConn defense (who are now 8-1).
UConn’s head coach, Geno Auriemma, expressed admiration for Hidalgo’s aggressive gameplay, emphasizing, “Her skill is undeniable, but it’s her intensity and approach that truly stands out. She relentlessly attacks both offensively and defensively, making her a formidable opponent. Coordinating a game plan against her is quite challenging.”
Bueckers, who entered the game with averages of 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 steals, faced considerable pressure from Notre Dame’s tight defense. Auriemma noted the team must find a way to alleviate some of the burden from Bueckers, pointing out that, “At times, she tends to become her own worst enemy by pushing too hard in traffic, which complicates matters unnecessarily.”
He further added, “When played with such defensive intensity, we need further support and contributions from other players. Often, Paige tries to shoulder the entire load when she believes others aren’t providing enough help, and that approach is detrimental to her performance and our team’s success.”