Fri Dec 06 01:00:00 UTC 2024: **Notre Dame Women’s Basketball Aims for Second Top-Five Win Against Texas**

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team (5-2) will look to secure their second top-five victory of the season when they host the No. 4 Texas Longhorns (7-0) on Thursday at Purcell Pavilion. The highly anticipated matchup, part of the SEC-ACC Challenge, pits two powerhouse programs against each other.

Notre Dame, currently ranked No. 10, is coming off back-to-back losses to TCU and Utah, their first consecutive defeats since 2021. Despite the recent setbacks, the Irish showcased individual brilliance, with Sonia Citron leading the team with 22 points and 4 steals against Utah, and Olivia Hidalgo scoring 27 points against TCU. Hidalgo has consistently shown offensive prowess, exceeding 20 points in 31 of her 42 collegiate games.

The undefeated Longhorns, led by SEC Preseason Player of the Year Madison Booker (16 points per game), pose a significant challenge. Their high-powered offense, averaging 92.9 points per game (fourth nationally), is fueled by the return of point guard Rori Harmon from an ACL injury. Texas’s defensive strength is equally impressive, forcing 27 turnovers per game and outscoring opponents by a significant margin off turnovers.

Adding intrigue to the contest is the familiarity between Notre Dame and Texas head coach Vic Schaefer, who coached Mississippi State in the 2018 national championship game against the Irish. The two teams have a limited history, with their last meeting occurring in the 1997 NCAA Tournament.

Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, with Ryan Ruocco and Rebecca Lobo providing commentary.

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