Notre Dame’s Defensive Edge
Notre Dame beat Vanderbilt in the Sweet 16 behind Hannah Hidalgo’s multiple steals and steady scoring, plus 36 points in the paint that controlled the game’s tone. (youtube.com) Vanderbilt’s Michaela Blake countered with a 24‑point rally after a 0‑for‑10 start, but Notre Dame’s defensive pressure proved decisive. (youtube.com)
Notre Dame edged Vanderbilt 67–64 on March 27, 2026 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth to advance to the Elite Eight. (espn.com) Hannah Hidalgo finished with a triple‑double — 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 steals — and assisted Cassandre Prosper on the go‑ahead basket with 22 seconds left. (espn.com) Seven first‑half steals in the game put Hidalgo past Chastadie Barrs’ single‑season mark of 192, giving her the NCAA Division I single‑season steals record. (thederrick.com) Notre Dame outscored Vanderbilt 54–20 in the paint, forced 23 turnovers and converted those miscues into 23 points off turnovers while piling up 27 fast‑break points. (espn.com) Vanderbilt’s Mikayla Blakes led the Commodores with 26 points and eight rebounds, but the team shot 35% from the field and committed 23 turnovers that swung the game. (espn.com) UConn defeated North Carolina 63–42 in the other Sweet 16 game, so Notre Dame will meet UConn in the Elite Eight in Fort Worth. (espn.com)
