In a thrilling NCAA regional semifinal, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish secured a hard-fought 67-64 triumph over the Vanderbilt Commodores, largely thanks to the phenomenal efforts of guard Hannah Hidalgo. Her exceptional triple-double, which included a record-breaking 10 steals, proved to be the decisive factor in this fiercely contested matchup. Despite facing a significant free-throw disadvantage and struggling with perimeter shooting, Notre Dame showcased remarkable resilience to emerge victorious and advance to the next stage of the tournament.
Notre Dame Triumphs Over Vanderbilt in Fort Worth Regional Showdown
On a momentous Friday, March 27, 2026, at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas, the sixth-seeded Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off against the second-seeded Vanderbilt Commodores in the Fort Worth Regional 1 semifinal. The game was a showcase of intense collegiate basketball, culminating in a narrow 67-64 victory for Notre Dame.
The star of the evening was undeniably Notre Dame's guard, Hannah Hidalgo. Demonstrating an extraordinary all-around performance, Hidalgo amassed an impressive 31 points, secured 11 rebounds, and achieved a staggering 10 steals, marking a new record for an NCAA regional. Her offensive prowess was evident, converting 14 of her 25 field goal attempts, and she further contributed with seven assists. Complementing Hidalgo's heroics, Cassandre Prosper delivered 15 points, notably scoring the final three crucial points of the game.
Vanderbilt, despite a commendable effort, ultimately fell short. Mikayla Blakes led the Commodores with a stellar 26 points, while Aubrey Galvan added 24. A key challenge for Vanderbilt was their 23 turnovers, 16 of which occurred in the first half, contributing to Notre Dame's 31-26 lead at halftime. Although Vanderbilt enjoyed a significant 21-10 advantage in free throws, largely due to Blakes' near-perfect 12-of-13 performance from the line, it wasn't enough to overcome Notre Dame's determined play. The Fighting Irish, conversely, struggled from beyond the arc, making only 1 of 17 three-point attempts, yet found ways to score.
The game's intensity escalated in the latter stages. Notre Dame held a 48-38 lead after Hidalgo's three-point play late in the third quarter. However, Vanderbilt mounted a comeback, tying the score at 57-57 with 5:53 left and again at 59-59 after Aiyana Mitchell's basket with 4:36 remaining. A tense two-minute scoring drought followed, broken by Blakes' free throw. The final minutes saw a seesaw battle: Iyana Moore's jumper, Blakes' score, and Prosper's free throw kept the game tied at 62-62 with 1:28 on the clock. Hidalgo then drove for a score, but Galvan's two free throws knotted it again at 64-64 with 56 seconds left. The decisive moment came when Prosper scored off an inbound play, giving Notre Dame a 66-64 lead with 22 seconds remaining. Vanderbilt's last attempts at a game-tying three-pointer from Galvan and Blakes were unsuccessful, sealing Notre Dame's victory.
This thrilling victory propels Notre Dame (25-10) into the regional final, where they will face the winner of the North Carolina-UConn matchup on Sunday. The team's ability to overcome challenges and rely on their star player's exceptional performance underscores their potential to make a deep run in the tournament.
The captivating performance by Hannah Hidalgo serves as a potent reminder of the individual brilliance that can elevate a team in high-stakes competition. Her record-breaking display not only secured a crucial victory for Notre Dame but also showcased the power of resilience and unwavering determination. This game underscores the unpredictable and thrilling nature of tournament basketball, where every possession and every star performance can alter the course of destiny. It's a testament to how crucial leadership and clutch plays are in shaping the narrative of a sporting event, inspiring both teammates and fans alike.