Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo set a brand new program scoring report throughout Wednesday’s 85-58 win over Akron with 44 factors. Within the course of, she additionally set a brand new NCAA Division I single-game report with 16 steals.
Her whole stat line was spectacular as she shot an environment friendly 64% from the sphere and 50% from past the arc. She neared a triple-double with 9 rebounds, whereas additionally sprinkling in 4 assists. The earlier Notre Dame report was 41 factors, held by now-WNBA star Jewell Loyd and Ruth Riley, who gained a nationwide championship with the Combating Irish in 2001.
“I imply, it is actually particular, however I received to provide all glory to God that put the facility in me to have the ability to do what I do,” Hidalgo mentioned throughout her broadcast postgame interview. “And particularly because of my teammates. With out them I would not have the ability to do something.”
There should not many gamers at any degree who can do what Hidalgo achieved on Wednesday. No NBA or WNBA participant has ever registered 40+ factors and 10+ steals in a single recreation. The final faculty basketball participant to take action was Amy Patton for Northern Arizona in 2012.
Hidalgo is a real two-way participant and though her scoring potential is spectacular, she says all of it begins on the opposite aspect of the courtroom.
“Protection first, protection wins championships,” she mentioned. “I guarantee that I convey the power from my crew defensively in order that we will get on transition and get buckets.”
The group at Purcell Pavilion cheered loudly for her after the sport whereas her teammates surrounded her. It is a rebuilding yr for this system, however Hidalgo has to date led Notre Dame to a 3-0 begin.
She is certainly one of three returning gamers from final season’s roster, together with Cassandre Prosper and KK Bransford. Though there are loads of new faces in South Bend, Hidalgo mentioned she is having loads of enjoyable with this group.
“Oh, my goodness. I really like my crew, all people. On the courtroom, off the courtroom,” she mentioned. “I really like enjoying with them. There’s no one else I would fairly play with. It is simply been so enjoyable, from summer season until now.”
Hidalgo and the remainder of the Combating Irish can use this win to construct confidence forward of their first ranked opponent of the season. No. 18 Notre Dame will tackle No. 16 Michigan on the highway on Saturday afternoon. The sport is ready for 4 p.m. ET on NBC Sports activities.
