SEC/ACC Challenge Brings Top-25 Showdowns: Texas vs. Notre Dame Headlines the Action
The SEC/ACC Challenge is set to deliver a basketball bonanza this week, featuring four matchups between top-25 teams. With six games on Wednesday and 10 more on Thursday, fans are in for a treat. But the spotlight is undoubtedly on Thursday’s clash between No. 4 Texas and No. 10 Notre Dame, airing at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. This game promises to be a showdown of elite guards and contrasting team trajectories.
Both teams are ranked in the top 10 of this week’s ESPN Women’s Basketball Power Rankings, but they’re heading in opposite directions. Texas climbed two spots to No. 4, while Notre Dame tumbled seven spots to No. 10. The stakes couldn’t be higher for both squads as they look to solidify their standing heading into the heart of the season.
Notre Dame’s Struggles: Injuries and Depth Issues
The 5-2 Fighting Irish are coming off a rough week at the Cayman Islands Classic, where they suffered back-to-back losses. First, they squandered a 14-point lead in a 76-68 loss to TCU. Then, they were upset by Utah 78-67. These defeats came on the heels of a dominant win over USC on Nov. 23, leaving fans wondering what went wrong.
Injuries have been a significant factor in Notre Dame’s struggles. The team’s depth, particularly in the post, has been severely impacted. Key players like four-year starter Maddy Westbeld and forward Liza Karlen, a transfer from Marquette, have yet to play this season. Both are fifth-year players with a wealth of experience, and their absence has left a noticeable void. Once they return, Notre Dame will undoubtedly be a different team.
In the meantime, the Irish are leaning heavily on their guard trio of Hannah Hidalgo, Olivia Miles, and Sonia Citron. This trio will be put to the test against Texas, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
Texas: A Team on the Rise
On the other side, the 7-0 Longhorns are riding high. Their only real test so far came on Sunday at the Gulf Coast Showcase in Fort Myers, Florida, where they edged out West Virginia 78-73. That game served as a perfect tune-up for their upcoming battle with Notre Dame.
Texas boasts a dynamic duo in guard/forward Madison Booker (16.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG) and guard Rori Harmon (9.4 PPG, 6.6 APG). These two can hold their own against any perimeter players in the country. However, where Texas truly has an advantage is in the post. Seniors Aaliyah Moore and Taylor Jones combine for 20 points and 8.7 rebounds per game. Add in Miami transfer Kyla Oldacre and freshman Justice Carlton off the bench, and the Longhorns have a formidable frontcourt rotation.
In their win over West Virginia, Moore led the way with 20 points on 8-of-11 shooting, while Booker added 19 points. Harmon chipped in with 9 points and 6 assists. Oldacre and Carlton combined for 23 points and 13 rebounds, with Carlton sealing the game with two clutch free throws after a key steal in the final seconds.
What’s at Stake?
For Texas, this game is a chance to solidify their top-5 ranking and build momentum before entering SEC play on Jan. 2 against rival Oklahoma. Head coach Vic Schaefer, who knows the SEC well from his time at Mississippi State, has built a team capable of competing at the highest level. A win over Notre Dame would send a strong message to the rest of the conference.
For Notre Dame, this game is about redemption. After a tough week in the Cayman Islands, a win over a top-5 team like Texas could be just what the Irish need to regain their confidence. With games against Texas and UConn on the horizon, the Irish have a golden opportunity to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.
Key Takeaways
- Texas: Undefeated and climbing the rankings, the Longhorns are looking to make a statement before SEC play begins.
- Notre Dame: Battling injuries and coming off a tough week, the Irish need a big win to turn their season around.
- Matchup to Watch: Texas’ post players vs. Notre Dame’s guard trio. Can the Irish overcome their lack of depth in the paint?
All eyes will be on South Bend this Thursday. Will Texas continue their ascent, or will Notre Dame bounce back in a big way? One thing’s for sure: this is a game you won’t want to miss.
Originally Written by: Mechelle Voepel
