Hannah Hidalgo‘s Historic Night Propels Notre Dame Past Akron
Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo delivered a performance for the ages Wednesday night, etching her name into the NCAA record books and leading the Fighting Irish to an 85-58 victory over Akron. It was a truly dominant display, showcasing Hidalgo’s all-around brilliance and solidifying her status as a premier player in women’s college basketball.
Hidalgo, a preseason All-America selection, exploded for a school-record 44 points while together shattering the NCAA single-game steals record with an unbelievable 16. You could feel the energy shift in the arena as she took control of the game.
Let’s break down just how remarkable her night was:
* Points: 44 (on 16-of-25 shooting, including 3-of-6 from three-point range and 9-of-11 from the free-throw line)
* Steals: 16 (breaking the previous record of 14)
* Rebounds: 9
* Assists: 4
* Minutes Played: 28
This wasn’t just a scoring outburst; it was a defensive masterclass. Her 16 steals weren’t simply opportunistic grabs – they were a testament to her anticipation, quick hands, and relentless effort.
Notre Dame’s defense as a whole was stifling, racking up a remarkable 30 steals. consequently, Akron committed a staggering 38 turnovers, which Notre Dame converted into 41 crucial points. However, the Fighting Irish weren’t perfect, turning the ball over 20 times, leading to 13 points for the Zips.
Cassandre Prosper added 14 points for notre Dame, providing valuable support. Ni’Rah Clark, Shaena Brew, and Corinne Reed each contributed double-digit scoring for Akron, with 13, 12, and 11 points respectively.
Hidalgo’s impact was particularly evident in key stretches of the game. She single-handedly ignited a 14-0 run in the second quarter, scoring the first 12 points and pushing Notre Dame to a commanding 41-22 lead. Later, in the third quarter, she fueled a 9-0 run with five points, extending the lead to 70-44.
Interestingly, despite two dominant wins this past week, Notre Dame actually dropped three spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll. This highlights the often-unpredictable nature of rankings and the high expectations surrounding the program.
Ultimately, this game was a showcase of Hidalgo’s remarkable talent and a statement win for the Fighting Irish. If you’re a college basketball fan, you’ll want to keep a close eye on this young star – she’s poised for a truly special career.