In a shocking upset on Thursday night, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (8-2) handed the No. 2 UConn Huskies (8-1) their first loss of the season, pulling off a 79-68 victory that stunned women’s college basketball fans across the country. Led by an amazing performance from sophomore guard Hannah Hidalgo, who finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, the Irish showed they’re for real this season.
Notre Dame, playing at home, took control early and never let UConn get comfortable. After ending the first quarter on a 9-0 run to take a 18-12 lead, the Irish were off and running. Hidalgo was red-hot from beyond the arc, knocking down six three-pointers, and had the Huskies scrambling on defense all night. She wasn’t alone—Liatu King added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Olivia Miles chipped in 16 points, proving that Notre Dame is a very balanced and dangerous team.
For UConn, the night was defined by a lack of scoring depth. Star guard Paige Bueckers did everything she could, finishing with 25 points on 11-for-20 shooting, but the Huskies missed the scoring ability they usually get from Azzi Fudd, who was sidelined with a knee injury. Freshman Sarah Strong stepped up with 14 points, but without Fudd’s scoring, the Huskies struggled to generate offense consistently, especially when they were trying to climb back into the game.
Despite those challenges, UConn made a push in the third quarter. Bueckers went off for eight points, and the Huskies cut the deficit to just two. It felt like they might have found a way to make it a game, but every time UConn found a little momentum, Notre Dame had an answer. Whether it was Hidalgo hitting a clutch three, Miles making a key assist, or King cleaning up on the boards, the Irish kept pulling away.
In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame put the game out of reach. The Irish capitalized on UConn’s defensive breakdowns and extended their lead with key plays from all over the floor. The Huskies simply couldn’t get the stops they needed, and the Fighting Irish closed the game with energy and execution that showcased their full potential.
Hidalgo was especially clutch down the stretch, making timely shots and doing everything to keep UConn from mounting another comeback. When it was all said and done, Notre Dame had sealed the 79-68 win, making a statement in a huge national matchup.
Key Performances:
Hannah Hidalgo (Notre Dame): The star of the night, Hidalgo nearly had a triple-double with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Her six three-pointers were huge, and she controlled the game from start to finish.
Liatu King (Notre Dame): King was a beast on both ends of the floor, adding 16 points and 12 rebounds. She gave UConn trouble inside and made sure the Irish were dominant on the glass.
Olivia Mile (Notre Dame): Miles added 16 points and kept Notre Dame’s offense moving with her vision and unselfish play. She had a few key assists in the second half to help seal the win.
Paige Bueckers (UConn): Bueckers did her best to keep UConn in the game, finishing with 25 points, but without more help from her teammates, it wasn’t enough to keep the Huskies from falling behind.
Sarah Strong (UConn): Strong had 14 points and played tough, but UConn needed more scoring from their supporting players to have a chance in this one.
What does this mean for both teams?
This loss is a tough one for UConn, who had been riding high with a perfect record heading into the game. With Fudd out, it was clear the Huskies missed her scoring, and head coach Geno Auriemma knows his team has some work to do. “We can’t rely on Paige to do everything,” Auriemma said after the game. “We need others to step up and contribute if we want to compete for a championship.” The Huskies will need to regroup quickly, as they’re back in action against Georgetown and will have to adjust without Fudd for the time being.
For Notre Dame, this victory is a huge confidence boost. Beating UConn, one of the best teams in the country, shows just how dangerous this Irish squad can be. Coach Niele Ivey couldn’t have been happier with how her team played, especially with Hidalgo’s leadership. “This is a big win for us, but we’re not satisfied,” Ivey said. “We know there’s still work to do, but tonight, we showed we can compete with anyone.”
The win propels Notre Dame to a well-earned top-10 spot and gives them momentum heading into their next game against Eastern Michigan on Sunday. With their depth and versatility, the Irish have proven they belong in the national title conversation.
What’s Next?
This loss will certainly sting for UConn, but the Huskies are a championship-caliber team and will bounce back. The question now is how they adjust without Fudd and whether other players can step up to complement Bueckers. For Notre Dame, this is just the beginning. They’ve got the talent, the depth, and the leadership to go far this season. And after this win over UConn, they’re clearly ready to make a run at the top.
As the season rolls on, this game will serve as a key moment for both teams. For Notre Dame, it’s a statement that they’re not just a top-10 team—they’re a legitimate contender. And for UConn, it’s a reminder that the road to the title will be a grind, and every team is bringing their best when facing the defending champions.
