Hannah Hidalgo Breaks NCAA Record with 16 Steals in Notre Dame Victory
In a remarkable display of talent, Notre Dame junior guard Hannah Hidalgo etched her name in NCAA history by recording 16 steals during a decisive victory over Akron. This achievement not only sets a new NCAA record but also exemplifies her outstanding capability on the court.
Historic Performance by Hannah Hidalgo
On November 12, 2025, Hidalgo led the No. 18 Fighting Irish to an 85-58 win against the Zips. In addition to her record-setting steals, she scored 44 points—setting a new school record. Hidalgo’s performance came in just 28 minutes of play.
Key Statistics
- Points scored: 44
- Shooting: 16 of 25
- Three-pointers: 3 of 6
- Free throws: 9 of 11
- Rebounds: 9
- Assists: 4
- Steals: 16 (NCAA record)
Impact on the Game
Hidalgo’s steals led to a total of 30 takeaways for Notre Dame, forcing Akron into 38 turnovers. These turnovers resulted in 41 points for the Fighting Irish, showcasing Hidalgo’s defensive prowess.
In the first half alone, Hidalgo scored 28 points, helping Notre Dame to a 48-34 lead at halftime. She initiated a 14-0 run with the first 12 points, pushing the team’s advantage to 41-22 in the second quarter. In the third quarter, she contributed five points in a 9-0 run, widening the gap to 70-44.
Team Performance and Rankings
Despite the outstanding victory, Notre Dame fell three spots in the AP Top 25 rankings, even after winning their previous two games by an average margin of 52 points. The Fighting Irish currently hold a season record of 3-0.
Aside from Hidalgo, other noteworthy contributors included Cassandre Prosper, who scored 14 points, and Ni’Rah Clark with 13 points. For Akron, Shaena Brew and Corinne Reed added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Hannah Hidalgo’s historic achievement marks a significant milestone in college basketball. Her performance not only highlights her individual skill but also elevates the Notre Dame women’s basketball program as a formidable force in NCAA competitions.
