The five key matchups that will define UConn vs. Notre Dame

Five Key Matchups to Watch as UConn Faces Notre Dame in a Rivalry Renewed

Once upon a time, the UConn vs. Notre Dame matchup was the crown jewel of women’s college basketball. While it may not carry the same weight today, Thursday’s showdown between No. 8 Notre Dame and No. 2 UConn is shaping up to be one of the most exciting games of the season. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, and fans are in for a treat as two powerhouse programs collide in South Bend.

The Huskies (8-0) remain undefeated, while the Fighting Irish (7-2) have already notched impressive top-5 wins over USC and Texas. Both teams boast star-studded rosters, including national player of the year candidates Paige Bueckers of UConn and Hannah Hidalgo of Notre Dame. Add in two of the nation’s top freshmen—UConn’s Sarah Strong and Notre Dame’s Kate Koval—and you’ve got a recipe for a game that could have major implications come March Madness.

Let’s dive into the key storylines and matchups that will define this epic clash.

Player of the Year Showdown: Bueckers vs. Hidalgo

All eyes will be on the backcourt as two of the best players in the country go head-to-head. Paige Bueckers, the 2020-21 national player of the year, is a senior now and continues to dazzle with her scoring efficiency, leadership, and playmaking. She’s averaging 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.3 steals per game while shooting an impressive 56.3% from the field and 42.1% from three-point range. Bueckers has already dropped 29 points in games against ranked opponents Ole Miss and North Carolina this season.

On the other side, Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo is a sophomore sensation. She’s putting up 24.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 4.1 steals per game while shooting 46.2% overall and 39.5% from beyond the arc. Despite standing just 5-foot-6, Hidalgo’s quickness and defensive prowess make her a nightmare for opponents. She’s coming off a season-high 30-point performance in an overtime win against Texas.

Unfortunately, UConn will be without Azzi Fudd, who is sidelined with a minor knee sprain. Sophomore Ashlynn Shade is expected to step into the starting lineup, but the absence of Fudd means the Huskies’ backcourt will have to work even harder to contain Hidalgo and Olivia Miles, who has been stellar since returning from an ACL injury.

Freshman Faceoff: Sarah Strong vs. Kate Koval

In the frontcourt, two of the nation’s top freshmen will battle it out. UConn’s Sarah Strong, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2024, has been nothing short of spectacular. She’s averaging 16.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 36% from three-point range. Huskies coach Geno Auriemma has even compared her offensive skill set to that of Breanna Stewart, a four-time NCAA champion at UConn.

Notre Dame’s Kate Koval, the No. 5 recruit in the same class, has shown flashes of brilliance but has struggled with consistency. She’s averaging 8.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game but had a tough time in the Irish’s two losses, finishing scoreless with a combined nine turnovers and eight fouls. With Notre Dame’s frontcourt depleted by injuries, Koval will need to step up against Strong and UConn’s Ice Brady.

UConn’s Championship Drought

It’s hard to believe, but the Huskies haven’t won a national title since 2016. For a program with 11 championships, this is their longest drought since their first title in 1995. Injuries have plagued UConn in recent years, with Bueckers and Fudd playing just 22 games together. Auriemma believes this year’s team has the potential to be his best in the last 4-5 years, but health and player development will be key.

For Bueckers, this season is especially significant. She’s hinted that it will be her last in Storrs, and if she doesn’t win a championship, she could go down as the best player in UConn history to never cut down the nets. Thursday’s game will be a crucial test for the Huskies as they aim to end their title drought.

Notre Dame’s High Ceiling

The Fighting Irish have a rich history of guard play, and this year’s trio of Hidalgo, Miles, and Sonia Citron is no exception. With all three players likely to have WNBA futures, Notre Dame has the potential to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. However, their success will depend on their ability to overcome injuries in the frontcourt. Maddy Westbeld and Liza Karlen have yet to play this season, leaving Koval and Liatu King to shoulder the load. King, a fifth-year senior, has been a standout, averaging 12.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game.

Seeding Implications

Thursday’s game could have a significant impact on NCAA tournament seeding. Both teams are projected No. 1 seeds in ESPN’s latest Bracketology, but a win over UConn would solidify Notre Dame’s resume and help them maintain their top seed. For UConn, the stakes are even higher. With limited Quad 1 opportunities in the Big East, the Huskies need to capitalize on every high-profile nonconference game to strengthen their case for a No. 1 seed.

• Notre Dame has already played four Quad 1 games this season, with wins over USC and Texas.
• UConn has zero Quad 1 opportunities in the Big East, making Thursday’s game even more critical.

As the two teams prepare to face off for the 55th time, the stakes couldn’t be higher. UConn leads the all-time series 39-15, but Notre Dame has won the last two meetings and four of the past seven. Will the Irish continue their recent dominance, or will the Huskies reassert their place at the top? Tune in Thursday night to find out.