After losing to Virginia on Feb. 8, 81-70, Notre Dame women’s basketball will be facing NC State this Sunday at 4:00 p.m. EST in the Purcell Pavilion.
NC State is an ACC opponent currently in third place with a 10-3 conference record, while the Irish are in ninth at 7-6. The Wolfpack, 17-7 overall, is on a two-game winning streak, notably defeating Virginia Tech 82-62 on Feb. 8, whom the Irish also beat 80-70 on Feb. 5. Wolfpack guard Zoe Brooks and forward Khamil Pierre are expected to be impact players for the Wolfpack, challenging the Irish’s defense. As for Notre Dame junior guard Hannah Hidalgo, who was named to the John R. Wooden Award Late Midseason Top 20 Watch List on Tuesday, is leading the ACC in points per game with 24.9 and expected to lead the Irish squad.
In a postgame interview following the Virginia defeat, head coach Niele Ivey placed emphasis on her team needing to play “four solid quarters.” The Irish could not dominate in the first half and laid on the breaks in the third quarter, especially against the Wolfpack. Consistency is something the Irish continue to work toward this season, and reliance on Hidalgo is not always enough. The Irish need to utilize other weapons, such as senior guard Cassandre Prosper, in the paint. This season, Prosper is averaging 15 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, while senior guard Iyana Moore, averaging 12.8 points per game, has become an additional asset to the shooting game. Against Virginia, Moore tallied 17 points. In order for the Irish to beat the Wolfpack, Hidalgo and the Irish need to remain consistent and competitive. The Irish could use this ACC win as a resumé boost as March Madness selection approaches.
The matchup will also be the Irish’s annual “Pink Out Game” sponsored by Beacon Health System; students and fans in attendance should wear their pink to Purcell Pavilion. The game will also be broadcast on ESPN.
