Notre Dame Fighting Irish's Valiant Effort Falls Short Against Duke Blue Devils in Greensboro

In a closely contested ACC Semifinal at the First Horizon Coliseum, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish faced off against the Duke Blue Devils, concluding with a final score of 56-61. The Fighting Irish, ranked 6th nationally, now stand with their season tally adjusted after this encounter. Despite their best efforts and a game filled with intense moments, they couldn't overcome the 11th-ranked Blue Devils.

Game Highlights

The game was characterized by its competitive nature, featuring seven ties and nine lead changes throughout. The Notre Dame Fighting Irish started strong but struggled to maintain their momentum against the persistent Duke team. Notably, Hannah Hidalgo led Notre Dame with an impressive 23 points, complemented by her defensive prowess that included six steals. Sonia Citron also made significant contributions on both ends of the court with nine points and two blocks.

On defense, Maddy Westbeld stood out despite not scoring; she managed four steals and showcased her defensive capabilities. However, turnovers proved costly for Notre Dame as they gave up 16 throughout the game which translated into crucial points for Duke.

The Blue Devils capitalized on these opportunities, scoring 18 points off turnovers and dominating in bench points with a total of 28 compared to Notre Dame's 14. Their ability to convert from free throws was also notable as they achieved an impressive rate of 88 percent accuracy.

Key Statistics & Performances

One of the key battles was fought in the paint where both teams showed strength but Duke edged out with more efficiency scoring 30 points compared to Notre Dame's 28. Despite being outrebounded by Duke who grabbed a total of 34 rebounds over Notre Dame's 26, The Fighting Irish managed to keep pace through fast break scenarios where they scored twelve fast break points.

Olivia Miles also had a noteworthy performance for Notre Dame contributing ten points along with three assists which were crucial in keeping her team within striking distance throughout various stages of the game.

As fans reflect on this semifinal matchup at Greensboro’s First Horizon Coliseum attended by nearly eleven thousand spectators broadcasted nationally on ESPN2 channel number:209 network:ESPN2 , it’s clear that both teams displayed exceptional talent and determination making it an unforgettable part of Conference Tournaments season year:2024 .

Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for future broadcasts as these talented teams continue their journey through Conference Tournaments type:CT year:2024 . Don't forget to share this article across social media platforms and engage in discussions about your favorite moments from this exciting matchup!