Irish Dominate NC State, Eye ACC Semis vs. Duke

Irish Dominate NC State, Eye ACC Semis vs. Duke

Notre Dame is heading to the ACC Semifinals to face top-seeded Duke after a commanding performance against NC State. The Fighting Irish showcased their offensive firepower and defensive tenacity, securing a crucial victory that propels them deeper into the conference tournament.

Early Barrage Sets the Tone

From the opening tip, Notre Dame established an aggressive tempo. Early on, the game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading baskets. Hannah Hidalgo, a sophomore sensation, was instrumental in setting the tone, hitting a variety of shots, including a signature side-step three-pointer that drew praise. “I love the side step at 6-6,” one announcer exclaimed, highlighting Hidalgo’s offensive creativity. She finished the first half with an impressive 16 points, demonstrating her scoring prowess against the Wolfpack defense.

NC State, looking to advance and earn a shot at Duke, relied on its outside shooting, with Moore hitting early triples. However, the Irish defense, which had played a lot of zone but started this game in man-to-man, began to stifle the Wolfpack’s offensive flow. “It’s a jump shooting NC State team and they just got to move the ball. It gets a little sticky sometimes and that allows the defense to load up,” observed one commentator, pointing to a key area where the Irish defense capitalized.

Hidalgo Leads the Charge

Hannah Hidalgo continued her dominant performance throughout the game. Her ability to create her own shot, whether driving to the basket or pulling up for jumpers, proved too much for NC State to handle. “Hidalgo probing for a seam. Finds one and puts a little English on it,” noted the broadcast crew, describing her skillful drives. By the end of the first half, Hidalgo was already 7-for-10 from the field, showcasing an exceptional shooting display. Her offensive impact wasn’t just limited to scoring; she also contributed with assists, finding open teammates like De Jesus for crucial baskets.

The Irish bench also provided valuable contributions. “Number 30 in blue is the shooter off the bench for the Irish,” a commentator mentioned, highlighting the depth of Notre Dame’s scoring options. This balanced attack made it difficult for NC State to key in on any single player.

Second Half Surge Seals the Deal

Notre Dame came out of halftime with renewed intensity, quickly extending their lead. “They have outscored NC State 16-1” in the opening minutes of the third quarter, a stark statistic that underscored their dominance. This surge was fueled by a combination of sharp shooting and effective ball movement. Camille Pierre was a key contributor, driving to the basket and scoring, often after drawing defenders. “Pierre pins down that defender and scores. Was just a matter of time. She’s one of eight players in the power leagues averaging a double-double,” an announcer stated, emphasizing Pierre’s consistent impact.

Despite efforts from NC State players like Mattie Cox, who scored 11 points in the third quarter, and Zoey Brooks’s efforts to keep the Wolfpack within striking distance, Notre Dame maintained control. Brooks showcased her athleticism with a rim-to-rim layup, but the Irish consistently answered back. “Brooks with the finger roll make this thing a five-point game,” was followed by Notre Dame extending their lead once again.

Looking Ahead to Duke

With the victory, Notre Dame secures its spot in the ACC Tournament semifinals, where they will face the formidable top-seeded Duke Blue Devils. “Winner gets top seated to Duke tomorrow in the semis,” the broadcast opened, setting the stage for this pivotal matchup. The Irish will need to bring the same energy and execution that they displayed against NC State to challenge Duke. The performance against the Wolfpack, characterized by strong individual efforts from Hidalgo and Pierre, coupled with solid team play, provides a strong foundation for their semifinal contest.

The win also bolsters Notre Dame’s resume as they continue their push towards the NCAA Tournament. “They will look to try and put the biggest resume booster on their committee resume tomorrow,” a commentator noted, highlighting the significance of these late-season tournament games. As they prepare to face Duke, the Irish will aim to replicate their offensive efficiency and defensive intensity, setting the stage for a highly anticipated ACC Semifinal showdown.

Source: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. NC State Wolfpack | ACC WBB Tournament Highlights | ESPN CBB (YouTube)