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Duke Upsets Notre Dame in ACC Semifinals Behind Jackson’s Performance

ByCoach

In an electrifying ACC Tournament semifinal, No. 11 Duke upset No. 6 Notre Dame with a thrilling 59-54 victory. This hard-fought game saw both teams battling fiercely, showcasing their skills and determination.

With this win, Duke advances to face NC State in the ACC Tournament final, while Notre Dame prepares for the NCAA Tournament.

Let’s delve into the game highlights, standout performances, and what this means for both teams moving forward.

Game Highlights and Key Moments

The match began with Notre Dame taking an early lead, jumping out to a 9-4 advantage. However, the game quickly evened out, and the Irish led 17-16 after the first quarter.

Duke managed to gain momentum in the second quarter, opening up a 24-20 lead on a Vanessa DeJesus jumper. Notre Dame, however, controlled much of the rest of the half, taking a 31-29 lead into intermission.

Third Quarter Turnaround

The third quarter was a back-and-forth battle. Notre Dame extended its lead to four points, but Duke countered with a strong performance.

The Blue Devils took a 41-37 lead on a 3-pointer by Ashlon Jackson. They held a 47-42 lead after the third quarter, setting the stage for a thrilling final period.

Final Quarter Drama

Duke extended its lead to eight points early in the fourth quarter with a three-pointer. However, Notre Dame fought back valiantly, pulling within 50-47 on a Hannah Hidalgo 3-pointer. Despite their efforts, Duke held them off, securing the hard-fought win and advancing to the ACC Tournament final.

Standout Performances

The game featured several standout performances from both teams. For Duke, Oluchi Okananwa led the way with 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench, showcasing a perfect shooting game.

Ashlon Jackson added 12 points, although she struggled with her shooting, going 3-for-17 from the field.

Notre Dame’s Top Players

Hannah Hidalgo was the standout performer for Notre Dame, leading all scorers with 23 points. She also contributed two rebounds, three assists, and six steals, although she shot just 9-for-22 from the field.

Olivia Miles added 10 points, four rebounds, and three assists, providing solid support for Hidalgo.

Duke’s Balanced Attack

Duke’s victory was a result of a balanced team effort. In addition to Okananwa and Jackson, several other players made significant contributions:

  • J. Donovan: 4 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
  • D. Thomas: 8 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals
  • T. Mair: 4 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists
  • R. Richardson: 5 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal

Implications for the NCAA Tournament

Both Duke and Notre Dame are safely in the NCAA Tournament field and are likely set for regional hosting bids. This game served as a crucial test for both teams as they prepare for the intensity of the NCAA Tournament.

Duke’s Momentum

Duke’s victory over Notre Dame provides them with significant momentum heading into the ACC Tournament final against NC State. With a 25-7 record, the Blue Devils have demonstrated their capability to compete with the best teams in the country.

Their balanced attack and strong defensive play make them a formidable opponent in the upcoming tournament.

Notre Dame’s Resilience

Despite the loss, Notre Dame remains a strong contender in the NCAA Tournament. With a 26-5 record, the Irish have shown resilience and the ability to bounce back from tough losses.

The standout performances of players like Hannah Hidalgo and Olivia Miles will be crucial as they aim to make a deep run in the tournament.

Looking Ahead: ACC Tournament Final

With their victory over Notre Dame, Duke advances to face NC State in the ACC Tournament final. This matchup promises to be an exciting contest between two top-tier teams.

Both teams are all but guaranteed top-four seeds and regional hosting bids, adding extra significance to the final.

Key Factors to Watch

Several key factors will influence the outcome of the ACC Tournament final:

  • Defensive Prowess: Both Duke and NC State have strong defensive units. The ability to disrupt the opponent’s offense will be crucial.
  • Star Performances: Players like Oluchi Okananwa and Ashlon Jackson for Duke, and the standout performers for NC State, will play pivotal roles.
  • Coaching Strategies: The tactical adjustments made by the coaches will be critical in a high-stakes game like this.

Conclusion

The ACC Tournament semifinal between Duke and Notre Dame was a showcase of top-tier women’s college basketball. Duke’s 59-54 victory was a testament to their balanced team effort and resilience.

As both teams prepare for the NCAA Tournament, this game provided valuable experience and highlighted the standout performances of key players.

For more detailed statistics and a comprehensive game summary, you can visit the Sportskeeda article.

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