Notre Dame advanced to the Sweet 16 in the women”s NCAA Tournament after defeating Ohio State with a score of 83-73. This victory marks the fifteenth consecutive year that Notre Dame has reached this stage in the tournament. The game took place on March 23, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio, where Hannah Hidalgo delivered an impressive performance with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and eight steals.
The match showcased Hidalgo”s talent as she recorded her eighth double-double of the season and the sixteenth of her career. This game was also notable as it was only the second time in her career that she achieved at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and seven steals in a single game. On the other side, Jaloni Cambridge of Ohio State scored a career-high 41 points, which is the second-highest tally by a Buckeye player in NCAA Tournament history.
In a surprising turn, Ohio State became the first team in women”s tournament history to be eliminated from their home court for three consecutive years. Alongside Hidalgo, Vanessa de Jesus contributed 15 points while Cassandre Prosper added 13 for the Fighting Irish, who have now won 11 of their last 13 games.
Hidalgo”s performance against Fairfield just two days prior included 23 points, nine rebounds, eight steals, and six assists, tying her own NCAA Tournament record for steals. In the game against Ohio State, she helped the Fighting Irish establish a commanding lead after hitting a jumper that put them ahead 50-37 early in the third quarter.
Ohio State started strong, scoring the first 11 points of the game, with Cambridge contributing nine of those points. However, Notre Dame quickly found their rhythm, with Iyana Moore hitting a three-pointer to give the Fighting Irish their first basket at 6:43 in the first quarter.
As the game progressed, Ohio State attempted to close the gap, highlighted by a crucial moment when Cambridge missed a free throw that would have tied the game at 54 with just under three minutes remaining. Notre Dame capitalized on this chance, going on a decisive 12-3 run, ultimately establishing an 83-65 lead in the final minute.
With this victory, Notre Dame continues to showcase its dominance in women”s college basketball, further solidifying its legacy in the NCAA Tournament.
