Notre Dame needed Hannah Hidalgo to shoulder a bigger scoring load this season. On Wednesday night, the junior guard delivered one of the greatest individual performances in program and NCAA history.
Hidalgo erupted for 44 points in the No. 18 Irish’s 85-58 win over Akron, breaking the school’s single-game scoring record previously shared by Jewell Loyd and Ruth Riley at 41. She shot 16-of-25 from the field, attacked the rim at will and controlled the game’s pace from the opening tip.
But her offensive outburst was only part of the story.
Hidalgo also recorded 16 steals, shattering the NCAA Division I single-game record. The previous mark of 14 had stood since 2008, when Georgia Tech’s Jill Ingram reached the total.
Hidalgo’s defense wreaked havoc on the Zips, repeatedly jumping passing lanes and turning turnovers into fast-break points.
"I don't ever think I know I'm going to go out and do what I do," Hidalgo said on ESPN's SportsCenter after the game. "I just kind of keep my same routine."
There is something about November 12 for Hidalgo. In 2023, she set ND's record with 12 steals against NJIT, which was two shy on tying the NCAA record. Now, she set the mark two years to the day.
However, she was unaware of the significance with the date. "A full-circle moment," Hidalgo said. "My teammates put me in the right positions for me to get steals and run out in transition."
In just 28 minutes, Hidalgo added nine rebounds and four assists, nearly willing herself to one of the most complete stat lines in the sport’s history.
The two-time All-American and reigning ACC Player of the Year appears intent on proving that Notre Dame can remain a national factor despite major departures to the WNBA and transfer portal.
Notre Dame (3-0) now turns its attention to Saturday’s matchup against No. 14 Michigan in Detroit.
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