Matchup: No. 3 Notre Dame (11-2, 2-0 ACC) vs. No. 17 North Carolina (13-2, 1-1 ACC)
Date: Sunday, January 5, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM ET
Location: Carmichael Arena, Chapel Hill, NC
Broadcast: ESPN | Radio: 96.1 FM WSBT
Overview
Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish travel to Chapel Hill to face off against the Tar Heels of North Carolina in a pivotal ACC matchup. The Irish, led by head coach Niele Ivey, are riding a wave of momentum, having gone undefeated in conference play so far this season. They boast a potent offense, ranking 7th nationally with an average of 89.3 points per game, and a robust defense that leads the nation in three-point shooting percentage (42.9%).
North Carolina, under the direction of Courtney Banghart, is no slouch either. The Tar Heels have a balanced team that excels in defense and rebounding, with standout performances from their core players helping them stay competitive in the national rankings.
Key Storylines
- Notre Dame’s Offensive Firepower
The Irish have showcased remarkable offensive efficiency this season, led by sophomore sensation Hannah Hidalgo. Hidalgo, the nation’s second-leading scorer at 26.0 points per game, has been a consistent force, particularly in marquee matchups. Notre Dame’s ability to stretch the floor with a league-leading three-point percentage could pose problems for North Carolina’s defense. - North Carolina’s Home Court Advantage
Playing at Carmichael Arena provides the Tar Heels with a distinct edge. Their passionate fan base and familiarity with the venue will challenge Notre Dame’s road dominance (4-0 in away games this season). - Clash of Rebounding Titans
Notre Dame leads the ACC in rebounding margin (+11.8), spearheaded by graduate forward Liatu King, who averages 11.4 rebounds per game. North Carolina will need to control the boards to limit second-chance opportunities for the Irish. - Key Players to Watch
- Notre Dame:
- Hannah Hidalgo: A dynamic scorer who thrives in high-pressure situations.
- Olivia Miles: The floor general is averaging a near triple-double this season, making her a dual threat on offense and defense.
- Kate Koval: The freshman phenom leads the ACC in blocks and adds a strong inside presence.
- North Carolina:
- Alyssa Ustby: A versatile forward with the ability to impact both ends of the court.
- Kennedy Todd-Williams: A sharpshooter who can exploit defensive lapses from deep.
- Notre Dame:
- The Series
Notre Dame holds a 10-5 record in the all-time series against North Carolina but has lost the last two meetings. The Irish last defeated the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill in 2019, making this a prime opportunity for redemption.
Keys to Victory
- For Notre Dame:
Utilize their depth and scoring balance to wear down North Carolina’s defense. Dominating the glass and maintaining their three-point accuracy will be critical. - For North Carolina:
Protect home court by limiting turnovers and matching Notre Dame’s intensity on the boards. Efficient shooting from the perimeter could tip the scales in their favor.
This game promises to be a showcase of top-tier women’s basketball, with both teams looking to solidify their positions as ACC contenders. Don’t miss the action!
