Full Breakdown
Hannah Hidalgo's Historic Performance Sets NCAA Records
11/13/2025, 11:40:17 AM
Record-Setting Night for Hannah Hidalgo
On November 12, 2025, Hannah Hidalgo, a junior guard for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, delivered a remarkable performance during an 85-58 victory over the Akron Zips. In just 28 minutes of play, Hidalgo scored a program-record 44 points, surpassing the previous record of 41 held by Jewell Loyd and Ruth Riley. Additionally, she set a new NCAA Division I record with 16 steals, breaking the previous record of 14 steals held by multiple players since 2008.
Hidalgo's performance was characterized by her efficiency; she shot 16-of-25 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range, and went 9-of-11 from the free-throw line. Alongside her scoring and steals, she contributed nine rebounds and four assists, showcasing her all-around abilities on the court. This game marked Hidalgo's 11th career game scoring over 30 points.
Impact on Notre Dame's Season
Hidalgo's historic night comes at a crucial time for Notre Dame, which is navigating a rebuilding phase following the departures of key players like Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron. With her standout performance, Hidalgo has positioned herself as a central figure for the Fighting Irish this season. Through three games, she is averaging 34.3 points per game, leading the nation in scoring.
Head coach Niele Ivey praised Hidalgo's performance, calling it the best she has ever witnessed. "A woman of this moment with this incredible performance had 44 points, the highest scoring game in program history, and 16 steals which is a record, just phenomenal," Ivey stated.
Official Statements & Responses
After the game, Hidalgo expressed gratitude for her teammates, stating, "I got to give all glory to God that put the power in me to be able to do what I do. And especially thanks to my teammates. Without them, I wouldn't be able to do anything." She emphasized the importance of defense, saying, "Defense first, defense wins championships."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite Hidalgo's record-breaking performance, some analysts noted that Notre Dame's overall shooting percentage was lower than Akron's, highlighting areas for improvement. Coach Ivey acknowledged that while Hidalgo's performance was exceptional, the team needed to address their shooting consistency moving forward.
What's Next for Notre Dame
Following this historic win, the Fighting Irish, now 3-0, are set to face their first significant challenge of the season against the No. 14 Michigan Wolverines on November 15, 2025. This matchup will be part of the Shamrock Classic, providing Hidalgo and her teammates an opportunity to further establish their presence in the national rankings.
Hidalgo's performance not only sets a high bar for her individual achievements but also signals Notre Dame's potential as a contender in the competitive landscape of women's college basketball this season.
