The Notre Dame Fighting Irish wasted no time making a statement in their first game of the NCAA Tournament, delivering a commanding 106-54 victory over Stephen F. Austin. Behind star performances from Hannah Hidalgo and Sonia Citron, both of whom scored 24 points apiece, the Irish set the tone for their postseason run with an emphatic display of skill, energy, and dominance.
From the opening tip, Notre Dame showed why they are a force to be reckoned with in March Madness, overwhelming their opponents with relentless defensive pressure, efficient shooting, and an offense that operated at full throttle.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Irish dismantled Stephen F. Austin and what this win means for their tournament journey.
First Half: Irish Take Control Early
Notre Dame wasted no time in asserting its superiority over Stephen F. Austin, jumping out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The Irish pushed the pace, using their speed and athleticism to exploit mismatches and create open looks.
Hannah Hidalgo, the dynamic freshman guard, set the tone early with her tenacity on both ends of the floor. Her ability to attack the basket, disrupt passing lanes, and dictate the tempo was on full display as she quickly racked up points and assists. Hidalgo’s fearless drives to the rim and quick hands on defense led to easy fast-break opportunities for the Irish.
Meanwhile, Sonia Citron was equally dominant, showcasing her smooth shooting stroke and ability to finish at the rim. The junior guard displayed the poise and efficiency that has made her one of Notre Dame’s most reliable scorers, knocking down perimeter shots and slicing through defenders with ease.
By halftime, Notre Dame had built a commanding lead, heading into the break up 55-24. Their relentless defensive intensity and offensive execution left Stephen F. Austin searching for answers, as the Ladyjacks struggled to keep up with the Irish’s elite speed and ball movement.
Second Half: Notre Dame Continues the Onslaught
If there were any doubts that Notre Dame might ease up in the second half, those were quickly put to rest. The Irish picked up right where they left off, pushing the tempo, forcing turnovers, and finding high-percentage shots.
Hidalgo continued to dominate, slicing through the defense and finishing with acrobatic layups, while also creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. Citron remained lethal from beyond the arc, hitting back-to-back three-pointers early in the third quarter to further stretch the lead.
In addition to Hidalgo and Citron, Maddy Westbeld and Kylee Watson played pivotal roles, providing a strong interior presence and contributing on both ends of the floor. The Irish dominated the rebounding battle, using their size and toughness to control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for Stephen F. Austin.
By the time the fourth quarter rolled around, the game was already well out of reach, but Notre Dame kept its foot on the gas, ensuring that their first-round performance left a lasting impression.
Key Takeaways from Notre Dame’s Statement Victory
1. Hannah Hidalgo Continues to Shine
The freshman sensation proved once again why she is one of the most exciting players in college basketball. Hidalgo’s ability to control the game, pressure the ball defensively, and create for herself and her teammates makes her an invaluable weapon for Notre Dame as they advance further into the tournament.
2. Sonia Citron Provides Veteran Leadership
While Hidalgo brings explosiveness and energy, Citron provides stability and experience. Her consistent scoring, calm demeanor, and ability to knock down key shots make her an essential piece of Notre Dame’s championship puzzle.
3. Relentless Defense Fuels Offense
Notre Dame’s pressure defense was the difference-maker in this game. The Irish forced over 20 turnovers, turning them into fast-break points and easy buckets. If they can continue to disrupt opposing offenses at this level, they will be an incredibly tough out in this tournament.
4. Bench Depth Will Be Crucial Moving Forward
One of the most promising aspects of Notre Dame’s win was the contributions from the entire roster. With multiple players getting on the scoreboard and valuable minutes for role players, the Irish showcased the kind of depth that is essential for a deep tournament run.
What’s Next for Notre Dame?
With this dominant opening-round win, Notre Dame advances to the next stage of the NCAA Tournament, where they will face a tougher opponent. While Stephen F. Austin proved to be no match for the Irish, the road ahead will only get more difficult.
Notre Dame’s blend of youth and experience, elite defensive pressure, and balanced scoring attack makes them a serious contender in this year’s tournament. If they continue to play with the same level of intensity, focus, and execution, they have a legitimate chance to make a deep run and compete for a national championship.
Final Score: Notre Dame 106, Stephen F. Austin 54
Key Stats:
- Hannah Hidalgo: 24 points, 6 assists, 5 steals
- Sonia Citron: 24 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists
- Notre Dame Forced 20+ Turnovers
- Scored Over 100 Points for the First Time in an NCAA Tournament Game Since 2018
Final Thoughts: A Statement Victory
Notre Dame did more than just win their first-round game—they sent a clear message to the rest of the tournament field. With Hidalgo and Citron leading the charge, the Irish are playing their best basketball at the perfect time.
Their next opponent will present new challenges, but if Notre Dame continues to execute at this level, they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the tournament.
With their dominant mix of scoring, defense, and team chemistry, the Fighting Irish have their sights set on something bigger than just one win—they’re chasing a championship.