The Notre Dame women’s basketball team has to once again wonder why such a talented roster couldn’t get itself past the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. This year might be even a little more painful than previous campaigns since it had both backcourt stars playing full time.
Despite the 1-2 punch of Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo, the Figting Irish simply couldn’t find a way to knock off the TCU Horned Frogs. That despite the fact that Niele Ivey and company were heavy favorites to make their first trip to the Elite Eight under the current coach.
Notre Dame’s shooting woes doom title hopes in Sweet 16 upset
While questions about how this team underachieved, especially since it was named the No. 1 team in the country will take a longer look into the psyche of a squad that was considered one of the most talented in the sport. At a glance, however, it wasn’t hard to see how Hailey Van Lith and her crew knocked off the Irish.
The Notre Dame women’s basketball team shot just 31.9% from the field and just 20% from beyond the 3-point arc. They even struggled a bit at the free throw line, missing five FTs.
Compare that to TCU who shot 50.0% from the field, 41.7% from three and 91.7% from the free throw line. Van Lith led the way for her new team, scoring 26 points, hauling down 9 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists.
Hannah Hidalgo, on other hand, struggled mightily, hitting just 3-of-19 shots. That was paired with Sonia Citron’s 4-for-15 and Olivia Miles’ 3-for-10.
When those three players are all struggling at the same time, it’s virtually impossible for the Notre Dame women’s basketball team to win. Especially against a team heading to the Elite Eight in the NCAA Tournament.