Duke Snaps Notre Dame’s Streak in ACC Thriller!

Duke Blue Devils Edge Notre Dame in Nail-Biter to Reach ACC Finals

In a contest that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Duke Blue Devils emerged victorious over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, securing a hard-fought 77-75 win to advance to the ACC Championship game. The victory was a testament to Duke’s resilience, overcoming a double-digit deficit and a late surge from Notre Dame’s star player, Hannah Hidalgo.

Blue Devils Start Strong, Irish Fight Back

Duke exploded out of the gate, establishing an early 8-0 lead and their best start to a game this season. Their offensive prowess was on full display, with early points from Forier and back-to-back put-backs from point guard Tiana Mayor showcasing their aggressive play. Notre Dame struggled with turnovers in the first quarter, committing four turnovers that led to four Duke steals, fueling the Blue Devils’ fast-break attack. Duke’s ability to control the offensive glass was also a key factor, with Mayor grabbing her second offensive rebound and second put-back early in the game, highlighting a vulnerability in Notre Dame’s defense that had been present in their previous meeting, where Duke secured 17 offensive rebounds.

The first quarter saw Duke build a significant lead, capitalizing on Notre Dame’s struggles. However, the Fighting Irish, led by the dynamic Hannah Hidalgo, began to claw their way back. Vanessa De Jesus, a former Duke player now a grad student at Notre Dame, hit a crucial three-pointer to spark a run, and Moore added another from deep, giving Notre Dame a glimmer of hope. Despite Duke’s offensive firepower, which ranks as their highest-scoring team in 14 years, their offense cooled off after the initial burst, allowing Notre Dame to stay within striking distance.

Hidalgo’s Heroics and Duke’s Response

The second half saw Notre Dame mount a significant comeback, fueled by a change in tempo and the relentless play of Hannah Hidalgo. After trailing by as many as 13 points in the first half, the Irish, with a more deliberate pace, managed to not only erase the deficit but also take their first lead of the game. Hidalgo, a frontrunner for national player of the year honors, was instrumental, scoring 19 points and making crucial plays, including a spectacular assist that led to a layup. Her ability to attack the paint and find open teammates kept the Irish in contention.

Duke, however, refused to fold. Tiana Mayor continued to be a force, orchestrating the offense and contributing crucial baskets and assists. Her clutch three-pointer late in the game tied the score and demonstrated her importance to the Blue Devils. The game became a back-and-forth affair in the final minutes, with both teams trading baskets and defensive stops. Forier and Hidalgo exchanged blows, with Forier scoring a tough basket to answer Hidalgo’s two consecutive buckets, keeping the game within one point.

Late-Game Drama and Duke’s Victory

With under a minute and a half remaining, the tension was palpable. Mayor hit another huge three-pointer to give Duke a crucial lift. After a missed opportunity by Prosper, Mayor secured the rebound and the Blue Devils looked to close out the game. In the final seconds, Hidalgo, after a tipped pass, pulled up for a three-pointer that, after review, was ruled short. Prosper got the rebound, but her kick-out to Moore for a potential game-winner was blocked by Duke’s Forier at the buzzer, sealing the dramatic victory for the Blue Devils.

The win propels Duke into the ACC Championship game, where they will face either Louisville or North Carolina. For Notre Dame, their impressive tournament run comes to an end, but Hannah Hidalgo’s performance solidifies her status as one of the nation’s elite talents.

Key Moments and Stats:

• Duke’s early 8-0 lead, their best start of the season.
• Tiana Mayor’s crucial offensive rebounds and clutch three-pointers.
• Hannah Hidalgo’s second-half surge, leading Notre Dame’s comeback.
• Duke’s strong performance on the offensive glass throughout the game.
• Forier’s game-saving block at the buzzer.

“Winner into the ACC Finals tomorrow and a date with either Louisville or North Carolina,” the announcer declared, capturing the high stakes of the thrilling conclusion.

Looking Ahead

Duke’s ability to withstand Notre Dame’s comeback and secure the win demonstrates their championship mettle. They will now prepare for the ACC Championship game, aiming to cap off their successful tournament run. For Notre Dame, the loss marks the end of their tournament hopes, but the emergence of Hannah Hidalgo as a dominant force bodes well for their future.

Source: Duke Blue Devils vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish | ACC WBB Tournament Highlights | ESPN CBB (YouTube)