No. 18 Notre Dame Extends Road Series Against Duke
In an exciting matchup, No. 18 Notre Dame will face Duke on Sunday at Cameron Indoor Stadium. This road game follows a recent overtime loss to Georgia Tech. The contest is set to start at noon and will be broadcast on the ACC Network, with commentators Courtney Lyle and Kelly Gramlich providing coverage.
Recent Performance of Notre Dame
Notre Dame enters the game with a record of 10-3 and 2-1 in the ACC. In their last outing against Georgia Tech, Hannah Hidalgo led the team with an impressive 26 points. She also recorded eight steals, maintaining her position as the national leader in this category, averaging 6.1 steals per game. Hidalgo is not only a defensive standout but also excels in scoring, leading the ACC with an average of 25.5 points per game, ranking second nationally.
Key Players to Watch
Alongside Hidalgo, Cassandre Prosper has emerged as a crucial player for the Irish. She achieved her fourth double-double in five games against Georgia Tech, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds. Prosper’s performance has significantly improved over her collegiate career; she currently averages 16.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, a stark increase from her averages of 5.8 and 3.8 in her earlier seasons.
- Hannah Hidalgo: 26 points, 8 steals against Georgia Tech
- Cassandre Prosper: 19 points, 10 rebounds
- Vanessa de Jesus: 16 points
- Malaya Cowles: 14 points
- Iyana Moore: 11 points
Team Statistics
Notre Dame’s team statistics are impressive. They rank third nationally in steals with an average of 16.5 per game. Additionally, the Irish lead the ACC by averaging 86.2 points per game, showcasing their offensive prowess.
Historical Context
Historically, Notre Dame holds a favorable record against Duke, with 19 wins and 5 losses overall. They have also secured 5 victories out of 8 games played at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The last encounter between the two teams occurred in the ACC Tournament semifinals last season.
Return to Familiar Ground
For Vanessa de Jesus, this game holds special significance. After spending five seasons with the Blue Devils and earning two degrees in Durham, her return to Cameron Indoor will be a notable event.
As both teams prepare for this highly anticipated matchup, fans can expect an intense game that showcases the skill and competitiveness of collegiate basketball. The stage is set for a thrilling contest between Notre Dame and Duke.