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Hannah Hidalgo Leads Notre Dame to Victory Over North Carolina

ByCoach

The latest edition of the Women’s College Basketball Star Power Index is here, and it features some familiar faces making a significant impact this season.

With standout performances from players like Hannah Hidalgo, Audi Crooks, and Lauren Betts, this season is shaping up to be one for the books.

Additionally, the heart-wrenching loss of No. 15 Tennessee to No. 9 Oklahoma showcases the intensity and unpredictability of the sport. This blog dives deep into these key moments and athletes, highlighting their contributions and what lies ahead for their respective teams.

Hannah Hidalgo Shines in Notre Dame’s Victory

Hannah Hidalgo continues to impress in her sophomore year, building on her stellar freshman campaign.

The 5-foot-6 guard was instrumental in No. 3 Notre Dame’s 76-66 victory over No. 17 North Carolina. Despite shooting below her season average, Hidalgo managed to score a game-high 24 points, hitting five 3-pointers at a 55.6% clip.

Her performance also included:

  • Three rebounds
  • Five assists
  • Three steals

Hidalgo’s all-around game was crucial for Notre Dame, who now boasts a 12-2 record and is tied for first in the ACC conference at 3-0.

The Fighting Irish will next face Wake Forest on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.

Audi Crooks: Dominance Amidst Struggles

Audi Crooks is another sophomore sensation whose freshman year brilliance has carried over into this season.

Averaging 23.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on over 61% shooting, Crooks has quickly become the fastest player in Iowa State history to score 1,000 career points.

Her recent performances include:

  • 29 points and eight rebounds against Utah
  • 33 points in a win over Kansas

Despite Crooks’ individual success, Iowa State has struggled to translate her performances into wins. They currently hold a 1-2 record in Big 12 conference play.

The Cyclones will look to turn their season around when they play Arizona State on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Lauren Betts: The Backbone of UCLA

Lauren Betts is proving to be the cornerstone of the top-ranked UCLA team.

Known for her double-double prowess, Betts was a key figure in UCLA’s 73-62 win over Indiana, scoring a game-high 25 points and pulling in 12 rebounds.

On the season, Betts is averaging nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds, contributing significantly to UCLA’s 15-0 record.

The Bruins’ dynamic inside-out game, led by Betts and guard Kiki Rice, has positioned them as favorites for the national championship.

UCLA will next face Purdue on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET.

Heartbreak for Tennessee Against Oklahoma

No. 15 Tennessee suffered a gut-wrenching one-point loss to No. 9 Oklahoma, but there were still positives to take away from the game.

Guard Jewel Spear was exceptional, scoring 28 points in just 29 minutes while shooting over 64% from the field. Her performance included six 3-pointers, two of which came in the final moments to put pressure on Oklahoma.

Despite Spear’s heroics, Tennessee’s bench was outscored 45-9, which ultimately led to their defeat.

The Volunteers, now 1-1 in SEC play, will face a challenging conference schedule ahead, starting with No. 6 LSU on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Looking Ahead

The season is still young, and there’s plenty of basketball left to be played.

With standout players like Hannah Hidalgo, Audi Crooks, and Lauren Betts leading their teams, the excitement is just beginning.

Fans can look forward to more thrilling games and unforgettable performances as these athletes continue to make their mark on the sport.

For more detailed insights and updates, visit the Women’s College Basketball Star Power Index.

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