Amber Aniston • December 29, 2024

No. 3 Notre Dame Dominates Virginia, 95-54, in ACC Home Opener

The No. 3 Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team showcased their dominance with a commanding 95-54 victory over the Virginia Cavaliers on Sunday at Purcell Pavilion. This win marked a series of milestones for the program, including head coach Niele Ivey securing her 100th career victory and Olivia Miles recording her sixth career triple-double, tying the ACC record. 


With the victory, Notre Dame improved to 11-2 overall and 2-0 in ACC play, while Virginia dropped to 8-6 and remained winless in conference competition. 



First-Half Dominance 

The game began with both teams exchanging baskets, as Virginia took an early 4-0 lead. Midway through the first quarter, the Cavaliers held the Irish to a 9-9 tie, but it was all Notre Dame from there. The Fighting Irish launched a relentless 28-0 run that extended into the second quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach. 


Sonia Citron ignited the offensive explosion, scoring seven of Notre Dame’s first 12 points during the run. Her fastbreak three-pointer with 2:49 left in the first quarter epitomized the Irish’s energy and efficiency. By halftime, Notre Dame had built a commanding 43-19 lead, holding Virginia to 30% shooting from the field and forcing four turnovers during the extended scoring spree. 


 

Olivia Miles and Historic Milestones 

Olivia Miles continued to etch her name into the record books, delivering her second consecutive triple-double with 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists. Miles joined the exclusive ranks of Lindsay Allen and Skylar Diggins as the only players in program history to achieve 1,000 career points, 500 rebounds, and 500 assists. Her six career triple-doubles tie her with Maryland’s Alyssa Thomas for the most in ACC history. 


Miles’ floor vision and defensive presence were instrumental throughout the game. She orchestrated an offense that recorded 32 assists on 38 made field goals, marking the team’s highest assist total in a conference game since joining the ACC. 


 

Contributions Across the Board 

Hannah Hidalgo led all scorers with 28 points, showcasing her offensive versatility and ability to score in transition. Her defensive tenacity also set the tone early, helping Notre Dame force Virginia into a 15-minute stretch without a field goal in the first half. 


Sonia Citron tied her season highs with 25 points and 11 rebounds, hitting five three-pointers to punish Virginia’s defensive lapses. Kate Koval contributed 12 points and three blocked shots, while Liatu King came close to a double-double with eight points and 12 rebounds. 


The team’s depth was on full display, with contributions from both starters and the bench. Notre Dame’s dominance on the boards was evident, as they outrebounded Virginia 54-31, including a game-high 12 rebounds from King. 


 


Virginia’s Struggles 

Virginia struggled to find an answer for Notre Dame’s suffocating defense and high-powered offense. The Cavaliers endured a stretch of 15 consecutive missed field goals in the first half and went nearly 12 minutes without scoring a basket. 


Despite the lopsided result, Liatu King’s effort on the boards and Carole Miller’s timely scoring provided bright spots for the Cavaliers. However, their inability to generate consistent offense or contain Notre Dame’s shooters ultimately doomed their chances. 


 


Key Takeaways 

Notre Dame’s offensive efficiency and defensive pressure showcased their potential as a national championship contender. The team shot 51% from the field, hit eight three-pointers, and held Virginia to just 30% shooting. Their ability to dominate in transition and execute in the half court underscores their versatility and depth. 


For Virginia, the loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in ball security and defensive rotations. The Cavaliers now face a pivotal stretch as they look to regroup in ACC play. 


 

Looking Ahead 

Notre Dame will aim to continue their dominance as they travel to Chapel Hill for a marquee matchup against No. 17 North Carolina next Sunday. With Miles, Hidalgo, and Citron leading the charge, the Fighting Irish appear poised to contend for the ACC title. 


Virginia will return home to face Wake Forest, hoping to rebound from their slow start in conference play. The Cavaliers must address their scoring droughts and improve their defensive intensity to compete against ACC opponents. 


 

A Statement Win 

Notre Dame’s 95-54 victory over Virginia served as a statement of their championship aspirations and showcased the individual brilliance of players like Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo. With head coach Niele Ivey achieving her 100th career win faster than any coach in program or ACC history, the Fighting Irish are cementing their legacy as one of the elite programs in college basketball. 


For Virginia, the game was a tough learning experience against a powerhouse opponent. As they regroup, the Cavaliers can draw lessons from the defeat to fuel their growth in the competitive ACC landscape. 

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