No. 3 Notre Dame Edges Clemson 67-58 Despite Hidalgo’s Absence

CLEMSON, S.C. — No. 3 Notre Dame women’s basketball team secured a hard-fought 67-58 victory over Clemson on Sunday at Littlejohn Coliseum, despite the absence of star guard Hannah Hidalgo. The Irish improved to 14-2 overall and 5-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference, maintaining their sole possession of first place.

Hidalgo, the team’s leading scorer and emotional leader, missed her first game in 51 appearances due to an ankle injury. Head coach Niele Ivey emphasized caution, stating, “We’re just being extra careful. We’re making sure she gets proper rest, and then we’ll assess her this week.” Hidalgo, who averages 26 points per game, wore a protective boot on the bench.

In her absence, graduate transfer Liatu King stepped up, delivering a dominant performance with 23 points and 11 rebounds. King, a 6-foot forward from Pittsburgh, shot an efficient 10-for-14 from the field, showcasing her mid-range prowess. “You never predict something happening to one of your teammates, but you’ve just got to be ready for whatever the circumstances,” King said postgame.

Notre Dame struggled offensively without Hidalgo, shooting just 43.9% from the field and 21.4% from beyond the arc, well below their season averages. Olivia Miles contributed 17 points and nine assists, while Maddy Westbeld and Cass Prosper provided crucial defensive plays, combining for five blocks.

Clemson (10-7, 3-3 ACC) fought valiantly, cutting the deficit to three points early in the fourth quarter. However, the Tigers’ offense stalled, going scoreless for over two minutes late in the game. Loyal McQueen, Clemson’s standout guard, finished with 14 points but was held to 5-of-14 shooting.

Notre Dame’s defense proved pivotal, forcing 11 turnovers and limiting Clemson to 33.9% shooting from the field. The Irish also dominated the boards, outrebounding the Tigers 42-34. Despite the challenges, Ivey praised her team’s resilience: “This is a really tough place to play, and getting any type of win on the road in the ACC is huge.”

The Irish now prepare for a Thursday showdown against No. 13 Georgia Tech at home, with Hidalgo’s status still uncertain. Clemson, meanwhile, looks to rebound against Virginia Tech next Sunday.