The No. 18 Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a 94-59 victory over the Pittsburgh Panthers, improving their record to 10-2 overall and 2-0 in ACC play. The game was a showcase of offensive efficiency, led by a high-scoring backcourt duo and a relentless defense that forced 32 points off the Panthers’ turnovers. The Irish established control early, ending the first half with a 22-point lead and never allowing the Panthers to mount a serious comeback, eventually outscoring them 32-14 in transition.
One of the major highlights of this game was Hannah Hidalgo’s 30-point performance and her surpassing her head coach, Niele Ivey’s, steals record for the Fighting Irish. Hidalgo recorded four steals against the Panthers on Tuesday, Dec. 30, bringing her career total to 350, beating Ivey’s previous record of 348.
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The win featured a well-rounded effort from the team, including four players scoring in double figures. Iyana Moore finished with a season-high 23 points, including five three-pointers, while Cassandre Prosper added 18 points and 10 rebounds for her third double-double in four games.
This momentum serves as a vital springboard for Notre Dame as they prepare to head south for a two-game road swing, starting with a matchup against Georgia Tech on New Year’s Day.
How Does Hannah Hidalgo Add to the Fighting Irish’s Campaign this Season?
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are headed towards great success under the historic leadership and production of Hannah Hidalgo. As of late December, Hidalgo leads the nation in steals with a staggering 6.1 per game and ranks third in the country in scoring at 25.1 points per game.
Her impact was best illustrated earlier this season when she set an NCAA Division I single-game record with 16 steals and a school record 44 points in a single outing. With the departure of several veteran starters, Hidalgo has embraced a central role as both a primary playmaker and a vocal leader.
The Fighting Irish currently hold a 10-2 overall record and remain undefeated in ACC play at 2-0. Ranked No. 18 nationally, the team is finding its rhythm through a high-pressure defensive identity that has forced double-digit steals in every game this season.
They head into a critical stretch of the schedule, including matchups against Georgia Tech and Duke in early January 2026. Notre Dame has to rely upon its supporting cast of Iyana Moore and Cassandre Prosper to complement Hidalgo’s scoring.
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