UConn Roars Past Notre Dame to Historic 25th Final Four

UConn Claims Record 25th Final Four Berth in Thriller

The UConn Huskies are heading to their record 25th Final Four. They battled the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a nail-biting Elite Eight game, ultimately winning and securing their place in the national semifinals. The Huskies showed incredible grit and clutch play throughout the contest.

Huskies Hold Off Irish Charge

The game was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams showcasing their talent and determination. UConn started strong, taking an early lead thanks to sharp interior passing and strong finishes around the basket. Players like Prosper and Kohl’s found ways to score, exploiting mismatches and executing well-executed plays.

Notre Dame, led by the exceptional Hannah Hidalgo, fought back relentlessly. Hidalgo, who has been a standout player throughout the tournament, proved her mettle. She demonstrated her all-around game, scoring, grabbing rebounds, and playing tenacious defense. Even when facing intense defensive pressure, like being guarded by KK Arnold and often drawing multiple defenders, Hidalgo found ways to score, including impressive three-pointers and tough drives to the basket. She finished with an impressive 22 points and her 10th double-double of the season, adding 10 rebounds.

Kinones Shines for UConn

While Hidalgo was a force for Notre Dame, UConn’s Blanca Kinones was their offensive engine. Kinones delivered a stellar performance, pouring in 20 points. She was particularly effective in the first half, scoring 12 points and keeping the Huskies in the game. Her ability to score off the dribble and make timely baskets was crucial for UConn’s success. Kinones was clearly UConn’s best player on the day.

Key Moments and Momentum Swings

The game saw several momentum swings. UConn built an early lead, but Notre Dame battled back. The first quarter ended with UConn holding an 18-9 advantage, with Kinones already making a significant impact. Notre Dame’s defense, including a 1-3 zone, aimed to disrupt UConn’s offense, but the Huskies found ways to score. The first half concluded with UConn leading 32-30, highlighted by a circus shot from Kaylie Heckle at the buzzer.

In the third quarter, UConn extended their lead, even going on a 7-0 run at one point. Vanessa De Jesus hit a big three-pointer to respond for Notre Dame. However, UConn’s defense managed to limit Notre Dame’s scoring, holding them to just five points in the third quarter at one stretch. Despite the defensive pressure, Hidalgo continued to attack, even drawing fouls and converting tough shots.

Hidalgo’s Heroics Met with UConn’s Resilience

As the fourth quarter unfolded, the tension mounted. Notre Dame needed stops, and Hidalgo continued to push the pace, scoring 22 points and showing her ability to drive past defenders with a quick crossover. However, UConn’s balanced scoring and timely plays proved just enough. Sarah Strong added key baskets, including two three-pointers, finishing with 18 points, 12 of which came in the second half. Ayla Fud also contributed with crucial scoring plays, including a drive and finish with a foul late in the game.

In the final seconds, with Notre Dame trailing and needing a miracle, Hannah Hidalgo’s last-second shot was blocked. That final defensive stand by UConn sealed their historic victory and punched their ticket to the Final Four.

“She’s able to go left and Hannah Hidalgo just gets by. What a crossover.”

Looking Ahead

For UConn, this win marks another milestone in their storied program history, extending their record for Final Four appearances. They will now prepare for the national semifinals, aiming to add another championship trophy to their collection. Notre Dame’s impressive tournament run comes to an end, but their performance, particularly from Hannah Hidalgo, has set a strong foundation for the future. The experience gained in this Elite Eight battle will undoubtedly fuel their drive for future success.

Source: Elite Eight: Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. UConn Huskies | Full Game Highlights | NCAA Tournament (YouTube)