Notre Dame vs. North Carolina: Who Came Out on Top?

This Sunday saw a series of thrilling NCAA matchups, including the highly anticipated game between Notre Dame and the North Carolina Tar Heels. Just last week, the Fighting Irish faced off against the University of Virginia, where Olivia Miles made history by recording the first-ever back-to-back triple-doubles in the Atlantic Coast Conference, leading her team to victory. Notre Dame is riding a six-game winning streak, which will be challenged by North Carolina. The last encounter between these teams was during the 2023-2024 season, with the Tar Heels securing a win at Notre Dame. Now, the Tar Heels are on a winning streak of their own, having won their last four games. They face a daunting task in taking on the third-ranked team in the country.

Game Recap

At the start of the game, Hannah Hidalgo, who leads the nation in steals, wasted no time making an impact. The North Carolina Tar Heels showcased their defense and once again proved they can compete with elite teams. Key moments included Maria Gakdeng's putback for Alyssa Ustby, Indya Nivar's left-hand score off Hidalgo's tip, and Hidalgo’s powerful and-one play. Olivia Miles hit two consecutive threes, contributing to nine unanswered points for the Fighting Irish. Lexi Donarski's triple brought the score to 9-7, and Ustby tied it with a strong move into the paint. A steal allowed Donarski to regain possession and hit another three-pointer. Miles then set up Hidalgo for a three-pointer with a no-look pass, tying the game at 12-12. Before a TV timeout, Gakdeng continued to dominate inside, making a crucial block. Maddy Westbeld made her season debut, playing her first minutes of the 2024-2025 campaign. A steal by Hidalgo led to a fast-break score in favor of Notre Dame, and Gakdeng’s drop-step added another two points for the Tar Heels. Following a missed layup from UNC, Notre Dame regained possession again, but their three-point attempt didn't connect.

In the second quarter, UNC started with a jumper, but Hidalgo responded with a deep three. Gakdeng blocked a shot, while Ustby's offensive rebound was nullified by a charging foul. Miles set up Hidalgo for another three. Liatu King stole from Donarski and drew a foul, while Trayanna Crisp's steal and three ignited the crowd. King hit a fadeaway and blocked a Ustby layup. The six-foot-five forward Kate Koval scored inside for Notre Dame, and guard Alyssa Ustby knocked down a three for the Tar Heels. Miles made Notre Dame's eighth three of the half, and Koval's rebound led to another King basket. UNC's slowing defense allowed the Fighting Irish to score more points, but Ciera Toomey stayed in the fight, scoring off a turnover. Lanie Grant drew a foul for free throws, and Gakdeng's improvement around the rim continued to shine. Miles assisted Hidalgo for a tough two, and Cassandre Prosper added a layup right after. Despite missing another three before halftime, Hidalgo and Notre Dame led by 14 points.

The second half began with Donarski stepping through to get past Hidalgo. A series of turnovers followed, putting the ball back in Notre Dame’s hands with no shot success. Reniya Kelly, assisted by Ustby, hit a jumper, and Ustby blocked a shot by Miles. A 7-0 run by the Tar Heels prompted a Notre Dame timeout. Miles assisted Liza Karlen with a jumper for her first points, but Ustby responded with a three-pointer. Donarski lit up the crowd with a layup after a turnover, bringing the score to 44-39. Karlen fired back with a three, and UNC tightened their defense. Prosper silenced the crowd with two shots after a rebound and made two free throws. Miles hit a between-the-legs pull-up three, marking her fourteenth point. UNC responded with two points, and Hidalgo found Prosper for a three. Gakdeng made a layup through contact and drew a foul, while Miles hit her fifth three-pointer before the shot clock expired. Grace Townsend was fouled and made her second free throw, but Sonia Citron's half-court attempt came up short.

The final quarter began with Toomey's block on Karlen and a fight for a loose ball. Ustby had the ball stripped by King, leading to Hidalgo's perimeter three. King cleaned up for Karlen, followed by triples from Donarski and Grant. Hidalgo added a jumper, and a Townsend turnover allowed Hidalgo to find an open King in the paint. Ustby was left wide open and scored a jumper with Grant's assist. Sonia Citron scored for Notre Dame, but Maddy Westbeld's block on Ustby led to Karlen's jumper. UNC started to slow down, prompting a timeout after Kelly's pass to Gakdeng. Notre Dame managed the clock well, maintaining a ten-point lead. After both teams missed shots, Miles scored a layup. Grant's jumper cut the lead, but a turnover to UNC and a missed three-pointer sealed Notre Dame's 76-66 victory.

Player Spotlight

The Carolina Tar Heels' top scorers, Maddy Gakdeng, Alyssa Ustby, and Lexi Donarski, combined for a total of 41 points. Ustby led with 11 rebounds, while Gakdeng added nine. Off the bench, Lanie Grant made significant contributions with six points, assists, and rebounds. For the Fighting Irish, Liza Karlen, Liatu King, and Cassandre Prosper provided substantial support throughout the game. The dynamic duo of Hidalgo and Miles consistently stood out. Hidalgo, known for her excellent two-way play and ability to set up her teammates, ranked second in the league for points and led in steals before the game. Averaging 26 points per game and scoring 24 today, she is a strong contender for Player of the Year. Miles, who was third in the nation for assists before the game, and Hidalgo have a remarkable synergy on the court.

What’s Next

Notre Dame's victory advances their record to 12-2. After today's game, the North Carolina Tar Heels will host Duke University at Carmichael Arena for a classic showdown this Thursday. This matchup will reignite their storied rivalry as both ranked teams go head-to-head. On the same day, the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame will face another North Carolina-based team, Wake Forest. The currently unranked Wake Forest Deacons will travel to Notre Dame for a game that analysts predict will be a blowout victory for the Fighting Irish.