Notre Dame hands UConn its first loss of the season in a dominant 79-68 performance, led by a star-making night from Hannah Hidalgo. The Fighting Irish were relentless, with Hidalgo putting up 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, showing why she’s one of the brightest young stars in the game. While Paige Bueckers gave UConn fans hope with 25 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome foul trouble for Sarah Strong, poor effort on situational defense, and key mental lapses throughout the game. In this episode, we’ll break down where UConn faltered, how Notre Dame capitalized, and whether this was a symptom of an outdated offense or just growing pains for a team dealing with new players and injuries. From Hidalgo’s brilliance to questions about UConn’s effort and execution, we’ll cover it all. Thanks for making Locked On UConn your first listen every day. We’re free and available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network—Your Team. Every Day.
Show Summary
Notre Dame hands UConn its first loss of the season in a dominant 79-68 performance, led by a star-making night from Hannah Hidalgo. The Fighting Irish were relentless, with Hidalgo putting up 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, showing why she’s one of the brightest young stars in the game. While Paige Bueckers gave UConn fans hope with 25 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome foul trouble for Sarah Strong, poor effort on situational defense, and key mental lapses throughout the game.
In this episode, we’ll break down where UConn faltered, how Notre Dame capitalized, and whether this was a symptom of an outdated offense or just growing pains for a team dealing with new players and injuries. From Hidalgo’s brilliance to questions about UConn’s effort and execution, we’ll cover it all.
Thanks for making Locked On UConn your first listen every day. We’re free and available wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network—Your Team. Every Day.
Show Notes
Introduction:
• Gratitude for listeners and community support for Locked On UConn.
• Updates on donations to the Husky Ticket Project and Bleeding Blue for Good.
• Reminder to subscribe, follow, and leave a review.
Segment 1: Game Recap
• Notre Dame’s Hannah Hidalgo dominates with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.
• Liatu King adds a double-double, while Olivia Miles makes clutch plays.
• UConn’s struggles: foul trouble for Sarah Strong, poor three-point shooting (18.8%), and lackluster situational defense.
• Critical moments, including missed rebounds and defensive lapses, that sealed the loss for UConn.
Segment 2: Analysis and Questions
• Was this loss a sign of systemic issues with UConn’s offense, or just growing pains from new players and injuries?
• Evaluating Geno Auriemma’s role in addressing the team’s focus and attention to detail.
• Individual player performances: Paige Bueckers shines, Jana El Alfy shows improvement, and Ashlynn Shade and Kaitlyn Chen struggle.
• The importance of Azzi Fudd’s return and what it means for UConn’s future.
Segment 3: Moving Forward
• What UConn needs to address before its next big matchup.
• How this loss impacts their season outlook and potential adjustments.
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Box Score
Notre Dame 79, UConn 68
UConn Huskies
• Starters:
• Sarah Strong: 14 PTS, 7 REB, 6-12 FG
• Ice Brady: 4 PTS, 3 REB, 2-6 FG
• Ashlynn Shade: 0 PTS, 4 REB, 0-5 FG
• Kaitlyn Chen: 11 PTS, 1 REB, 5-10 FG
• Paige Bueckers: 25 PTS, 3 REB, 11-20 FG
• Bench Contributions:
• Jana El Alfy: 10 PTS, 3 REB, 5-8 FG
Team Stats:
• FG: 31-64 (48.4%)
• 3PT: 3-16 (18.8%)
• FT: 3-5 (60.0%)
• REB: 30 (11 OREB, 19 DREB)
• TO: 13
Notre Dame Fighting Irish
• Starters:
• Kate Koval: 4 PTS, 7 REB, 2-7 FG
• Liatu King: 16 PTS, 12 REB, 8-14 FG
• Hannah Hidalgo: 29 PTS, 10 REB, 8 AST, 8-17 FG, 6-11 3PT
• Olivia Miles: 16 PTS, 4 REB, 6-9 FG
• Sonia Citron: 7 PTS, 2 REB, 2-5 FG
• Bench Contributions:
• Liza Karlen: 4 PTS, 2 REB
• Cassandre Prosper: 3 PTS, 2 REB
Team Stats:
• FG: 29-60 (48.3%)
• 3PT: 10-18 (55.6%)
• FT: 11-14 (78.6%)
• REB: 38 (14 OREB, 24 DREB)
• TO: 13
Thanks for making Locked On UConn your first listen every day. Tune in for more coverage as the Huskies look to bounce back from this tough loss!