Irish Upset Buckeyes! Notre Dame Heads to Sweet 16

Irish Upset Buckeyes! Notre Dame Heads to Sweet 16

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The chance to reach the Sweet 16 was on the line, and Notre Dame delivered. The sixth-seeded Fighting Irish went on the road and defeated the third-seeded Ohio State Buckeyes in a thrilling NCAA Tournament matchup. Notre Dame’s victory sends them to their fifth consecutive Sweet 16, a remarkable feat in the competitive world of college basketball.

Cambridge Ignites Buckeyes Early

The game started with a bang for the home team. Ohio State’s Kennedy Cambridge came out firing, hitting her first shots and helping the Buckeyes jump out to an early 6-0 lead. Her aggressive play and ability to get to the basket kept the pressure on the Irish defense. Cambridge showed why she’s a key player for Ohio State, scoring 9 points early and demonstrating her skill in mid-range shots.

However, Notre Dame wasn’t about to back down. Despite the fast start from Ohio State, the Irish began to chip away. Key defensive plays, like a steal by Hannah Hidalgo, helped spark their offense. Hidalgo, known for her defensive prowess as the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year for two straight seasons, showed her ability to disrupt the opponent’s flow.

Prosper Shines for Notre Dame

Cass Prosper emerged as a critical player for the Fighting Irish. Her ball-handling skills and ability to make tough shots, especially when her team needed them most, were on full display. Prosper showed confidence driving to the basket, even through contact, and was able to finish. One play saw her drive strong to the hoop, drawing a foul and completing the three-point play, which was highlighted as particularly impressive.

“She’s playing really well today,” commented one of the game’s analysts about Prosper’s performance. Her ability to score and handle pressure was vital for Notre Dame’s success.

Back-and-Forth Battle

The first quarter ended with Notre Dame taking its first lead of the game, highlighting a significant shift in momentum. The game remained a tight contest, with both teams playing aggressive basketball without committing many fouls. Players like Ayanna Moore contributed with crucial baskets, including mid-range shots and strong plays on the offensive glass. Moore’s tenacity in chasing rebounds was noted as a valuable asset.

Ohio State saw Kennedy Cambridge return to the floor, providing a stabilizing presence for the Buckeyes. Her experience was seen as important, and she continued to make key shots, including a significant three-pointer that helped keep Ohio State in contention. The analysts noted her importance, stating, “She’s back, Roy. She is back. Kennedy Cambridge. What?”

Irish Pull Away in Second Half

As the game progressed, Notre Dame started to build a lead. Cass Prosper continued her strong play, hitting tough shots and drawing another and-one opportunity. Her ability to finish through contact was a key factor. The Irish also benefited from strong guard play, with players like Hannah Hidalgo making timely shots, including a high-arching three-pointer that extended their lead.

The defensive intensity remained high, with multiple steals disrupting offensive rhythm. Hannah Hidalgo was particularly effective on defense, showcasing an ability to anticipate plays and make crucial deflections. Her defensive efforts were described as “amazing to watch.” Notre Dame managed to build an 11-point lead at one point, showing their ability to pull away.

Cambridge’s Career Night Not Enough

Despite a stellar performance from Kennedy Cambridge, who tied her career high with 41 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome Notre Dame’s consistent effort. The Irish maintained their composure and executed down the stretch. Even with Cambridge’s impressive scoring, Notre Dame’s balanced attack and timely defensive stops proved to be the difference.

In the final moments, Notre Dame managed the clock effectively, and Ohio State elected not to foul, recognizing the time remaining. The Irish successfully broke the press and secured the victory, punching their ticket to the Sweet 16 for the fifth year in a row. This consistent success underscores Notre Dame’s program strength and their ability to perform under pressure in the NCAA Tournament.

Source: Round of 32: Notre Dame vs. Ohio State | Full Game Highlights | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)