Tigers Face Tough Test Against 3rd-Ranked Notre Dame in ACC Showdown

Hannah Hidalgo scores in a 100-64 win over Wake Forest, on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Hidalgo scored 23 points total in the game. (Photo Courtesy of: Fighting Irish Media)

The Clemson women’s basketball team will wrap up their four-game homestand with a challenging matchup on Sunday against the 3rd-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Following a tough loss to Virginia on Thursday night, the Tigers will aim for a stronger performance in this critical game.

Notre Dame enters the contest as the top team in the ACC, with a flawless 4-0 conference record. Meanwhile, Clemson currently holds the eighth spot in the standings with a 3-2 record. This game presents a significant challenge for Coach Poppie and his squad, but they’re determined to put up a strong fight against one of the nation’s best teams. Let’s break down how this matchup unfolds.

On Thursday night, Clemson suffered a tough loss to the Virginia Cavaliers but showed signs of improvement in their shooting with a noticeable step up from their previous game against Stanford, where they defeated the Cardinal in overtime. The Tigers improved their field goal percentage from 38.6% against Stanford to 40.4% against Virginia, while also significantly raising their three-point shooting percentage from 17.6% to an impressive 34.4%.

To keep up with Notre Dame, Clemson will need to maintain consistency in their shooting, as the Irish have been efficient all season, shooting nearly 50% from the field. For the Tigers to make this a competitive game, standout Loyal McQueen will need a bounce-back performance after scoring just six points against Virginia. A strong outing from McQueen would put Clemson in a much better position.

Alongside McQueen, Mia Moore will need to build on her momentum from the Virginia game, where she recorded 20 points. If McQueen and Moore both perform well, the Tigers will have a better chance of staying in the game. Another key contributor will be Hannah Kohn, who is coming off a hot 17-point game against Virginia, fueled by a series of deep three-pointers. If Kohn can keep up her shooting abilities, it could provide Clemson with a crucial offensive boost.

Defensively, the Tigers will rely on Tessa Miller, the team’s leading rebounder, averaging 6.7 boards per game. A strong performance from Miller will be essential for Clemson to compete against Notre Dame’s high-powered offense. The Tigers also need to limit the free opportunities for Notre Dame, and stay out of foul trouble. To have a shot against this tough Irish team, Clemson will need a well-rounded performance on both ends of the court.

Notre Dame’s high-powered, top-10 offense is fueled by their elite three-point shooting, as they lead the nation in three-point percentage at an impressive 44%. In their most recent game against Wake Forest, the Irish showcased their efficiency, shooting 55.2% from the field, 35.3% from beyond the arc, and 76.9% at the free-throw line.

A standout in that game was Hannah Hidalgo, who continues to make her mark as the second-leading scorer in the nation. She tallied 23 points against Wake Forest, proving why she’s a key player for the Irish. Another crucial contributor is Liatu King, a transfer from Pitt, who added 17 points and six rebounds in the victory. Additionally, Olivia Miles is a player to watch, as she not only leads the team in three-point percentage but also serves as their primary playmaker. Miles contributed 13 points, five rebounds, and nine assists in their last game, highlighting her all-around impact.

For Clemson to have a chance, they will need to neutralize the strengths of these standout players. Limiting Hidalgo’s scoring, containing King’s presence in the paint, and disrupting Miles’ ability to distribute the ball will be critical. If the Tigers cannot execute, Notre Dame’s offensive firepower could quickly make the game one-sided.

This matchup is another tough test in Clemson’s challenging ACC schedule. Tipoff is set for 2:00 p.m. at Littlejohn Coliseum on the CW Network.