Newly minted as the top team in the country, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball showcased why they sit atop the college basketball world, steamrolling to their 18th consecutive victory with a 64-59 triumph over No. 11 Duke on Monday night.
This win not only cemented their unbeaten run through conference play but also underscored why they’re enjoying their first No. 1 ranking in more than six years.
Initially, the matchup was tight. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish carried a slim two-point lead into the halftime break, relying on balanced offensive efforts and clutch defensive stops to stay in front. However, the third quarter became a statement period for Niele Ivey’s squad.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish put out a statement atop the college basketball world
Ivey’s stifling press forced Duke into a flurry of missed shots and turnovers, fueling a 17-1 run that expanded the advantage to double digits. During that stretch, the Irish allowed hardly any breathing room, contesting every shot and swiping away multiple passes to spark fastbreak opportunities.
Among the top performers, Maddy Westbeld stood out for her defense and transition play. After blocking a Duke attempt and securing the rebound, she fired a pinpoint pass ahead to Hannah Hidalgo, who dished it to a driving Sonia Citron on the wing. The resulting layup capped off a run that left Duke reeling and Notre Dame firmly in command. The visitors tried to claw their way back in the final quarter, but the Irish refused to let up, pressuring the ball and contesting every jumper.
With this victory, Notre Dame Fighting Irish improved to 23-2 overall and stayed perfect in conference play at 14-0. Their relentless defensive intensity held Duke to 32% shooting after the Blue Devils started the game hitting five of their first six attempts. Meanwhile, the Fighting Irish offense remained poised, capitalizing on turnovers and converting pivotal shots when it mattered most. As they continue to ride this impressive winning streak, it’s clear Notre Dame is determined to prove that the nation’s top ranking is no fluke.