FROM LOS ANGELES — Hannah Hidalgo delivered a statement performance, scoring 24 points to lead No. 6 Notre Dame to a decisive 74-61 victory over third-ranked Southern California in a highly anticipated West Coast showdown on Saturday.
The game was billed as a star-studded battle, with USC’s JuJu Watkins drawing national attention following the release of a documentary about her life on NBC earlier in the day. But it was Hidalgo, along with her backcourt partner Olivia Miles, who stole the spotlight as the Fighting Irish remained undefeated at 5-0. Hidalgo also contributed six rebounds and eight assists, while Miles finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
For USC (4-1), Watkins—who had 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists—was in her usual dynamic form but couldn’t carry the Trojans past an early deficit that ballooned to as much as 21 points in the fourth quarter. The Trojans had moments of resilience, trimming the gap to as close as three points in the second and third periods, but Notre Dame’s composure and defensive intensity kept them at bay.
The Tale of Two Backcourt Stars: Hidalgo vs. Watkins
While Watkins has garnered immense media attention, particularly with the high-profile airing of her documentary, it was Hidalgo’s all-around brilliance that left a lasting imprint. The sophomore from Philadelphia caught fire early, hitting 5 of 8 shots in the first quarter and totaling 16 points by halftime. Her scoring, combined with sharp playmaking, helped Notre Dame maintain control throughout the game.
The night also saw notable appearances from figures like Snoop Dogg, who entered the arena donning a USC jacket with Watkins’ name and number emblazoned on it. The celebrity sightings underscored the growing cultural cachet of both players, though on the court, Hidalgo and Miles proved to be the difference-makers.
Takeaways:
- Notre Dame’s Poise and Precision: The Irish came out of the gate fast, jumping to a 20-10 lead in the opening quarter. Despite a brief lull in the second and third periods, where USC briefly closed the gap, Notre Dame never relinquished the lead. Their ability to maintain composure under pressure was a key difference in securing the win.
- USC’s Struggles in Key Moments: The absence of starting guard Kennedy Smith, sidelined for a surgical procedure, was felt. Smith’s defensive prowess on Hidalgo could have helped slow down the Irish’s high-powered backcourt, but without her, the Trojans struggled to find a rhythm on either end of the floor.
Key Moment: Although USC fought to narrow the deficit three separate times, Notre Dame’s defense stood tall, never allowing the Trojans to get within striking distance. The Irish’s ability to control tempo and limit USC’s offensive options was evident in the game’s closing stretch.
Key Stats:
- Notre Dame’s defense forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 22 points.
- USC struggled from beyond the arc, making just 1 of 13 three-pointers.
- Watkins, Kaleigh Heckel, and Talia von Oelhoffen each committed five turnovers for the Trojans, as Notre Dame’s defensive pressure proved relentless.
In the end, this was a victory that underscored Notre Dame’s depth, defensive tenacity, and poise under pressure. While USC’s star power in Watkins remained undeniable, it was the Fighting Irish who ultimately asserted themselves as the dominant force, continuing their undefeated run.