Five Things We Learned From Notre Dame Women’s Hoops’ Victory Over UConn
A Tale of Two Halves
The first half of Monday night’s matchup between Notre Dame and UConn was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find their offensive rhythm. The Huskies held a slim 26-23 lead at the break, but the Fighting Irish came out firing in the second half, shooting 56% from the field and outscoring UConn by 16 points to secure the 74-60 victory.
Maya Dodd’s Breakout Performance
Maya Dodd was a force to be reckoned with for Notre Dame, scoring a career-high 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting. The sophomore forward also grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in a dominant all-around performance. Dodd’s emergence as a go-to scorer gives Notre Dame a much-needed boost, especially with the team’s leading scorer, Olivia Miles, currently injured.
UConn’s Struggles Continue
UConn’s loss to Notre Dame was their third in a row and dropped their record to 10-8 on the season. The Huskies have struggled to find consistency this year, particularly on the offensive end. They rank near the bottom of the nation in field goal percentage and three-point shooting, and their lack of firepower was evident against Notre Dame.
Notre Dame’s Defense Steps Up
Notre Dame’s defense played a key role in the victory, holding UConn to 37% shooting and forcing 17 turnovers. The Fighting Irish have allowed opponents to shoot under 40% from the field in their last three games, a significant improvement from earlier in the season.
Implications for the Big East
Notre Dame’s victory over UConn has major implications for the Big East standings. The Fighting Irish are now tied with the Huskies for second place in the conference with a 7-3 record. The win also gives Notre Dame a significant head-to-head advantage over UConn, which could prove crucial in the race for the Big East regular season title.
Conclusion
Notre Dame’s victory over UConn was a significant statement for the Fighting Irish. It showed that they have the talent and determination to compete with the best teams in the country, even without their leading scorer. Maya Dodd’s breakout performance was a major boost for Notre Dame, and the team’s defense has been a key factor in their recent success.
UConn’s struggles continue, and they must find a way to improve their offensive efficiency if they want to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The loss to Notre Dame drops them further behind first-place Villanova in the Big East standings, and their hopes of winning the conference regular season title are now in jeopardy.
The Notre Dame-UConn rivalry is one of the most storied in women’s college basketball, and Monday night’s game was another chapter in this classic matchup. Notre Dame’s victory shows that they are a legitimate contender for the national championship, while UConn’s struggles raise questions about their ability to compete with the top teams in the country.
