Los Angeles (AP) — In a high-profile West Coast clash on Saturday, Hannah Hidalgo scored 24 points as No. 6 Notre Dame defeated JuJu Watkins and third-ranked Southern California 74-61.
Watkins and the Trojans (4-1) were behind 21 points in the fourth quarter after falling behind early. She finished with five assists, six rebounds, and twenty-four points.
Hidalgo had 16 points at the half after shooting well, going 5 of 8 from the field in the first quarter. She also contributed eight assists and six rebounds. For the Fighting Irish (5-0), Olivia Miles, Hidalgo’s backcourt partner, contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
Watkins’ influence was evident throughout the game, despite Hidalgo’s superior performance. Before the nationally televised game, NBC showed a documentary on her life.
Shortly before tipoff, Snoop Dogg entered the room wearing a USC-colored jacket with Watkins’ name and number on the front and back, creating a stir. The national anthem was sung by Mali, her sister.
Key Takeaways
Notre Dame: In the first quarter, the Irish took a 20–10 lead thanks to a fast attack. They never trailed, even after calming down a little, and maintained composure as the Trojans closed the gap to three points in the second and third quarters.
USC: Kennedy Smith, a starting guard whose defense on Hidalgo would have been crucial, was not available for the Trojans. Shortly before tipoff, it was revealed that she undergone surgery and would be back sometime this season.
Crucial moment
The Irish maintained their composure and never let up the lead, even though the Trojans were within three points three times.
Important statistics
The Trojans were forced into 21 turnovers by Notre Dame’s defense, giving the Irish 22 points. Talia von Oelhoffen, Kaleigh Heckel, and Watkins each had five. USC only made one out of thirteen 3-point attempts.
Next up
On November 29, Notre Dame will play TCU in the Cayman Islands Classic. On November 27, at Palm Desert, California, USC will play Seton Hall in the Women’s Acrisure Holiday Invitational.
