In what can only be described as a breathtaking performance, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team stunned the fifth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels on Sunday afternoon with a dominant second-half showing, ultimately outscoring their opponents 11-2 in the final frame to earn an impressive 75-63 victory in Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play. This remarkable win, which saw the Irish close the game on a 7-0 run, was not only a statement victory for Notre Dame but also a crucial turning point in their season, improving their record to 7-3 overall and 3-1 in the ACC.
A High-Stakes Showdown
Coming into the game, the stakes could not have been higher for either team. North Carolina, fresh off a hot start to the season, was sitting pretty at 8-1 and had a strong 3-0 conference record. On the other hand, Notre Dame, while solid, had shown vulnerability early in the season. The Irish needed a marquee win to announce their arrival as legitimate contenders in the ACC.
The matchup between the two programs had a palpable energy. North Carolina had been ranked fifth in the nation for a reason – they were deep, athletic, and had a high-powered offense led by standout players like Deja Kelly and Alyssa Ustby. Notre Dame, however, had some momentum coming off solid performances earlier in the season and was looking to send a message that they could compete with the conference’s elite teams.
A First Half of Two Halves
The first half was a tale of two teams, with North Carolina appearing to have control early. The Tar Heels’ aggressive defense and fast-paced offense put Notre Dame on the back foot from the start. The dynamic duo of Kelly and Ustby played a pivotal role in pushing the tempo and forcing the Irish into turnovers. The Tar Heels capitalized on these mistakes, building a 10-point lead at one point in the first half.
At the other end, Notre Dame was struggling to find a rhythm. Their offense was sluggish, and they were unable to knock down shots with consistency. Star player Olivia Miles, who had been a catalyst for the Irish all season, was being closely guarded by UNC’s defense, making it difficult for her to operate in transition and set up scoring opportunities.
However, just as the momentum seemed to be firmly in North Carolina’s corner, Notre Dame managed to rally. The Irish tightened up defensively, forcing a series of missed shots and turnovers from UNC. On offense, Notre Dame began to work the ball inside, using their size advantage to get easier looks near the basket. This adjustment allowed them to narrow the gap and go into the locker room down by only four points at 33-29.
It was clear that the game was far from decided, and Notre Dame’s resilience in the final minutes of the first half set the stage for what was to come in the second half.
The Turning Point: Notre Dame’s Second Half Surge
The second half began with both teams jockeying for control, but it was clear that Notre Dame had found a new level of intensity. The Irish came out of the locker room with renewed focus, fueled by a strong defensive effort that disrupted UNC’s rhythm and forced multiple turnovers.
Olivia Miles, who had been relatively quiet in the first half, exploded in the second. The sophomore point guard showcased her elite playmaking abilities, orchestrating the offense with precision and making smart decisions with the ball. She was able to create scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates, including an acrobatic finish through contact that energized the crowd and ignited her team.
But it wasn’t just Miles who stepped up. The Irish received significant contributions from multiple players, each of whom played a critical role in shifting the momentum. Freshman standout Maddy Westbeld showed flashes of brilliance, providing a scoring spark in the paint and continuing to build her reputation as a versatile forward. Senior guard Dara Mabrey, known for her clutch shooting, delivered key three-pointers and assists, helping to keep North Carolina at bay.
By the midway point of the second half, Notre Dame had gone on an 11-2 run that gave them a slim lead, a lead they would not relinquish. The Tar Heels, who had looked poised to take control, found themselves reeling. Kelly, who had been the offensive leader for UNC, found herself trapped in Notre Dame’s stingy defense, with her shots becoming increasingly difficult to make. Ustby, too, was neutralized by the Irish’s improved defensive rotation, which prevented her from dominating the boards and finishing inside.
The Irish’s defense was suffocating, closing out on shooters and contesting every shot. Their ability to disrupt UNC’s offensive flow while executing in transition allowed them to build a commanding lead in the final minutes.
The Final Surge: Closing Strong with a 7-0 Run
As the game entered its final stretch, the tension in the building was palpable. With North Carolina’s offense sputtering, Notre Dame took full advantage. The Irish closed the game on a 7-0 run that left the Tar Heels with no answers.
It was fitting that Olivia Miles would have the final say in this pivotal moment. With less than two minutes left and the Irish leading by five, Miles drove to the basket and drew a foul, hitting two critical free throws that put her team up by seven. On the ensuing possession, Notre Dame’s defense forced another turnover, which led to a fast break where Mabrey drilled a three-pointer to push the lead to 10. With the crowd on its feet, Notre Dame had secured a win that seemed impossible just minutes earlier.
Notre Dame’s Statement Victory
This win was monumental for several reasons. First and foremost, it sent a message to the rest of the ACC that Notre Dame was not only back but that they were a force to be reckoned with. While their earlier losses may have raised questions, this victory showed that they could compete with and beat some of the best teams in the nation.
The Irish’s performance also underscored the importance of their depth. Miles’ emergence in the second half was critical, but the contributions from Mabrey, Westbeld, and the rest of the team showed that Notre Dame wasn’t just a one-player team. This win came from a collective effort, and it bodes well for the Irish moving forward in ACC play.
For North Carolina, this was a tough loss. The Tar Heels entered the game with high hopes, but they were outplayed in nearly every aspect of the game in the second half. While Kelly and Ustby still had solid individual performances, the rest of the team struggled, and their inability to execute down the stretch was a key factor in the loss.
Looking Ahead: What This Win Means for Notre Dame
With the victory, Notre Dame improved to 7-3 on the season and 3-1 in ACC play. They now have the confidence to take on anyone in the conference, knowing that they have the talent and depth to beat the top teams. The win also gives the Irish valuable momentum as they prepare for the upcoming stretch of games.
Notre Dame will now look to build on this win, using it as a springboard for the rest of the season. Their defense, which was so crucial in the second half, will need to remain a focal point moving forward. If they continue to play with the same intensity and cohesion they showed against UNC, they will be a dangerous team in the coming months.
As for North Carolina, the loss serves as a reminder of the fine margins between success and failure at the highest levels of college basketball. They will need to regroup and adjust if they hope to maintain their place near the top of the ACC standings.
In a game that will be remembered as one of the most thrilling of the season, Notre Dame delivered an impressive 75-63 win over the fifth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels. By outscoring UNC 11-2 in the second half and closing the game on a 7-0 run, the Irish not only proved their mettle but also announced their presence as serious contenders in the ACC. This victory marks a pivotal moment in their season, and if they can maintain this level of play, they will undoubtedly be a team to watch in the coming weeks.
