Duke Defeats Notre Dame 61-56 in ACC Semifinals; Team Faces Challenges Ahead
Notre Dame women's basketball suffered a disappointing 61-56 loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals, highlighting a need for an offensive overhaul despite earlier season successes. Coach Niele Ivey faced tough questions post-game regarding the team's performance, which fell short in several key areas such as defense and urgency. Senior guard Sonia Citron reminded the team of the upcoming NCAA Tournament as a final chance to regroup and improve. The Irish will need to address their recent form, including poor shooting percentages and rebounding struggles, before the selection on March 16.
By the Numbers
Notre Dame shot 32% in the second half and 37.5% for the game.
The Irish were out-rebounded 38-26 after previously dominating the boards.
Yes, But
Critics have pointed out that despite Notre Dame's offensive potential, their recent losses indicate self-inflicted mistakes rather than a lack of ability. Notably, the team's previous success and ranking suggest they can perform better if they address their issues effectively.
State of Play
The Irish enter the NCAA Tournament with concerns over their offensive execution and defensive performance.
Key players, including Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld, are struggling to find their form, impacting team dynamics.
https://bvmsports.com/2025/03/08/duke-defeats-notre-dame-61-56-in-acc-semifinals-team-faces-challenges-ahead/