Notre Dame 2024-25 Season

[Dillon77]

I like that with Westbeld's return we're going to have 15 fouls to give against teams with dominant bigs like Prince and Betts. Plus, Westbeld and Karlen can really run the court, which will be a challenge for bigs to keep up.

And both Karlen and Westbeld can extend their range, which is also difficult for most bigs to adjust to. Karlen demonstrated that against UNC, which both Coach Banghart and Alyssa Ustby commented on during the UNC post-game presser. Westbeld will start using and getting that distinctive stroke of hers shortly, I'm sure.

 

[sivad40]

And both Karlen and Westbeld can extend their range, which is also difficult for most bigs to adjust to. Karlen demonstrated that against UNC, which both Coach Banghart and Alyssa Ustby commented on during the UNC post-game presser. Westbeld will start using and getting that distinctive stroke of hers shortly, I'm sure.

You didn't feel slighted when Banghart pretty much said that ND had to shoot lights out to win and that ND has pretty great offensive team and she has a great defensive team. Notre Dame is ranked higher in most defensive categories that UNC is.

 

[Dillon77]

You didn't feel slighted when Banghart pretty much said that ND had to shoot lights out to win and that ND has pretty great offensive team and she has a great defensive team. Notre Dame is ranked higher in most defensive categories that UNC is.

Is there a question and/or an accusation in there?

Assuming it's a question: Did I take offense at Courtney Banghart's overall stance at her post-game press conference?
Several Benchers did, citing points you did and multiple others. A day or three removed from it:

• Banghart was obviously trying to pump up her team throughout the presser taking the "yes, we lost, but played really well" card throughout both her opening statement and in response to questions.
• As is her wont, for better or worse, her straight-forward answers can be both off-putting and/or confusing if you let them.
• She made a comment about telling her team to persevere despite the officials. Last anyone checked, ND had 12 fouls called on them and UNC 9. Plus, ND was called for some pretty strict traveling calls. Both teams probably had gripes.
• Also had a chuckle with a back-handed complement about ND's guards getting rebounds (Miles had 7), then slighting Hannah Hidalgo's physical play in getting them. HH only had 3 rebounds in that game (normally she gets 6).
• What I would've liked to have heard: some acknowledgement that both teams played hard and tip of the hat to ND for doing so and shooting well. Instead, the shooting almost seemed like an indictment. A brief show of graciousness can go a long way.

However, like Coach B, I'm more concerned about my team, ND. The Irish and Coach Ivey (who did give UNC credit as a very tough place to play), got another solid win for the resume. Time to play Wake Forest at home and Clemson on the road. Let's see how UNC and Duke do....

 

[DallasDomer]

Is there a question and/or an accusation in there?

Assuming it's a question: Did I take offense at Courtney Banghart's overall stance at her post-game press conference?
Several Benchers did, citing points you did and multiple others. A day or three removed from it:

• Banghart was obviously trying to pump up her team throughout the presser taking the "yes, we lost, but played really well" card throughout both her opening statement and in response to questions.
• As is her wont, for better or worse, her straight-forward answers can be both off-putting and/or confusing if you let them.
• She made a comment about telling her team to persevere despite the officials. Last anyone checked, ND had 12 fouls called on them and UNC 9. Plus, ND was called for some pretty strict traveling calls. Both teams probably had gripes.
• Also had a chuckle with a back-handed complement about ND's guards getting rebounds (Miles had 7), then slighting Hannah Hidalgo's physical play in getting them. HH only had 3 rebounds in that game (normally she gets 6).
• What I would've liked to have heard: some acknowledgement that both teams played hard and tip of the hat to ND for doing so and shooting well. Instead, the shooting almost seemed like an indictment. A brief show of graciousness can go a long way.

However, like Coach B, I'm more concerned about my team, ND. The Irish and Coach Ivey (who did give UNC credit as a very tough place to play), got another solid win for the resume. Time to play Wake Forest at home and Clemson on the road. Let's see how UNC and Duke do....

Was Banghart the one that said Hidalgo got away with very physical play because she's so short or am I thinking of someone else?

If so I don't see her point. Hidalgo drives and might get called for a charge but most times she will end up on the floor after taking contact from the bigs. Plus that's three or four shots at the refs so when does she get fined?

 

[Dillon77]

Was Banghart the one that said Hidalgo got away with very physical play because she's so short or am I thinking of someone else?

If so I don't see her point. Hidalgo drives and might get called for a charge but most times she will end up on the floor after taking contact from the bigs. Plus that's three or four shots at the refs so when does she get fined?

It was Banghart who thought HH got away with physical play, which I'm still trying to send some sense in, given that most Irish fans on these boards know that quickness and doggedness are her traits. Olivia is a physical rebounder, but once again not a major part of her game. Really think Banghart started grasping at straws by the end of the presser...

 

[cancontent]

Is there a question and/or an accusation in there?

Assuming it's a question: Did I take offense at Courtney Banghart's overall stance at her post-game press conference?
Several Benchers did, citing points you did and multiple others. A day or three removed from it:

• Banghart was obviously trying to pump up her team throughout the presser taking the "yes, we lost, but played really well" card throughout both her opening statement and in response to questions.
• As is her wont, for better or worse, her straight-forward answers can be both off-putting and/or confusing if you let them.
• She made a comment about telling her team to persevere despite the officials. Last anyone checked, ND had 12 fouls called on them and UNC 9. Plus, ND was called for some pretty strict traveling calls. Both teams probably had gripes.
• Also had a chuckle with a back-handed complement about ND's guards getting rebounds (Miles had 7), then slighting Hannah Hidalgo's physical play in getting them. HH only had 3 rebounds in that game (normally she gets 6).
• What I would've liked to have heard: some acknowledgement that both teams played hard and tip of the hat to ND for doing so and shooting well. Instead, the shooting almost seemed like an indictment. A brief show of graciousness can go a long way.

However, like Coach B, I'm more concerned about my team, ND. The Irish and Coach Ivey (who did give UNC credit as a very tough place to play), got another solid win for the resume. Time to play Wake Forest at home and Clemson on the road. Let's see how UNC and Duke do....

Coach Banghart seems to be working her way through her list of ways to "endear" herself with her ACC rivals. She covered NC State and Duke with comments about the Triad area and arena sizes. It was only a matter of time she expanded out of state.

Reminds me of the meme where the Grim Reaper is walking onto the next door. If there isn't a bingo card already, we could create one.

 

[Frankus]

A few thoughts from watching last night's game live.

I'll start with what is my biggest concern about this team. I don't know how highly regarded Wake's Hinds and Cowles are, but they had their way physically at the hoop with Karlen, Koval and Westbeld. Perhaps Ivey was looking to see how they'd match up without help, but they failed and were repeatedly outmuscled inside. Inside strength is our biggest weakness.

It was good to see Maddy score from 3 and pass inside from the elbow. She is thinner and quicker than she was two years ago.

OM and HH had a "showtime" type game. You could tell they were having fun and playing a bit looser than normally. This made for some fantastically fun moments and a few mistakes.

We have another gear defensively where we can quickly devastate teams. After our 10-0 start, Wake then outscored us something like 15-13. We then kicked in that defensive gear, forced turnovers, missed shots and got easy transition scores. It's a noticeable trait and is the result of our quick athleticism.

Emma R in boot. Watson with a noticeable limp. Bransford looks like they're transforming her as they did Maddy. A very scary moment with HH. She looked distraught for awhile on the bench, but then smiled that golden smile, which was (hopefully) a sign that her injury wasn't bad. I'd rather have her sit till she's 100% than have her return sooner.

Not a great game for Cass. She's a bit of an offense enigma.

Liatu is indispensable due to her ability to rebound and score inside. If Wake had two excellent guards, I wonder if she would have played the entire game. Her ability to quickly leap and quickly release the ball on her inside shot is what distinguishes her inside. Defensively she's stronger than she looks and has quick hands.

Until Koval can be more physical, she's going to struggle. Despite her height advantage, she got outmuscled last night. Work in progress, but I don't expect dramatic improvement by tourney time.

Another relatively quiet night for Soni. I think NI is checking out her depth and Soni is monitoring the landscape with her. OM hit her with an incredible pass for a back door cut layup.

Ivey has to be disappointed with Karlen's defense/rebounding last night. We have enough shooters. We need her to defend and rebound

 

[DallasDomer]

A few thoughts from watching last night's game live.

I'll start with what is my biggest concern about this team. I don't know how highly regarded Wake's Hinds and Cowles are, but they had their way physically at the hoop with Karlen, Koval and Westbeld. Perhaps Ivey was looking to see how they'd match up without help, but they failed and were repeatedly outmuscled inside. Inside strength is our biggest weakness.

It was good to see Maddy score from 3 and pass inside from the elbow. She is thinner and quicker than she was two years ago.

OM and HH had a "showtime" type game. You could tell they were having fun and playing a bit looser than normally. This made for some fantastically fun moments and a few mistakes.

We have another gear defensively where we can quickly devastate teams. After our 10-0 start, Wake then outscored us something like 15-13. We then kicked in that defensive gear, forced turnovers, missed shots and got easy transition scores. It's a noticeable trait and is the result of our quick athleticism.

Emma R in boot. Watson with a noticeable limp. Bransford looks like they're transforming her as they did Maddy. A very scary moment with HH. She looked distraught for awhile on the bench, but then smiled that golden smile, which was (hopefully) a sign that her injury wasn't bad. I'd rather have her sit till she's 100% than have her return sooner.

Not a great game for Cass. She's a bit of an offense enigma.

Liatu is indispensable due to her ability to rebound and score inside. If Wake had two excellent guards, I wonder if she would have played the entire game. Her ability to quickly leap and quickly release the ball on her inside shot is what distinguishes her inside. Defensively she's stronger than she looks and has quick hands.

Until Koval can be more physical, she's going to struggle. Despite her height advantage, she got outmuscled last night. Work in progress, but I don't expect dramatic improvement by tourney time.

Another relatively quiet night for Soni. I think NI is checking out her depth and Soni is monitoring the landscape with her. OM hit her with an incredible pass for a back door cut layup.

Ivey has to be disappointed with Karlen's defense/rebounding last night. We have enough shooters. We need her to defend and rebound

Koval fouled out a couple of games likely because of her physical play. She likely pulled back on her play and to stay in the game. Some of it is from inconsistent ACC refs, some from an unknown fouling bigger names, some of it is from her learning what to do in different situations. She needs to not get a reputation as a foul prone player so the tournament refs don't take the easy path. It will take time but you're right Karlen should have done better.

 

[Dillon77]

Koval fouled out a couple of games likely because of her physical play. She likely pulled back on her play and to stay in the game. Some of it is from inconsistent ACC refs, some from an unknown fouling bigger names, some of it is from her learning what to do in different situations. She needs to not get a reputation as a foul prone player so the tournament refs don't take the easy path. It will take time but you're right Karlen should have done better.

Wake's best quarter was the third, which was virtually a tie in terms of points. Both Gebbia and Ivey played their starters quite a bit so Wake's forwards were having success against Karlen and King. As good with her hands and rebounding that King is, she often is slightly out of place at times (me thinks she's looking at the ball or looking to double it up). As a result, you'll see a lot of weakside cuts on her. Or, people will do to King what she does: attack the boards. Can be cleaned up. I'll be interested to see what transpires against Clemson, who lost to UVA but beat both Cal and Stanford when they came to Littejohn Arena.

BTW, in just a few sequences, you could see how the addition of Westbeld will help Koval. Kate just positioned herself and Westbeld delivered the right kind of pass. This could be fun...

 

[Dillon77]

In her second game back of the 2024-25 season, Maddy Westbeld decided to do more than "fit in" against Wake Forest and scored 14 points in just under 18 pts (6-11 overall), while grabbing 6 boards. One of them was this three from the corner. Adding Westbeld's multi-level scoring is what Irish fans have been waiting for, as well has her unflappable demeanor.

 

[Frankus]

Wake's best quarter was the third, which was virtually a tie in terms of points. Both Gebbia and Ivey played their starters quite a bit so Wake's forwards were having success against Karlen and King. As good with her hands and rebounding that King is, she often is slightly out of place at times (me thinks she's looking at the ball or looking to double it up). As a result, you'll see a lot of weakside cuts on her. Or, people will do to King what she does: attack the boards. Can be cleaned up. I'll be interested to see what transpires against Clemson, who lost to UVA but beat both Cal and Stanford when they came to Littejohn Arena.

BTW, in just a few sequences, you could see how the addition of Westbeld will help Koval. Kate just positioned herself and Westbeld delivered the right kind of pass. This could be fun...

I see the fun offensively. Defensively not so much. We'll see. It's early, but it's a concern, because there are teams with powerul bigs who have athletic guards that will knock down kick out shots when we have to double inside due to our lack of inside power. I'm looking forward to seeing if there are any strategic changes when this happens again in ACC play, and more fight from Koval/Karlen/Westbeld.

 

[DallasDomer]

With Hidalgo on the bench with a precautionary treatment of her ankle Clemson tried to steal victory in their arena last night. Compounded by Westbeld still working into the rotation and a drop in shooting % it was close but the Irish still won 67-58. Clemson slowing the game down still didn't stop ND. Liatu King led all scorers with 23 and 11 rebounds for a double double. Miles had 17 points and 9 assists just missing one. Kohn and McQueen each had 14 for Clemson.

Notre Dame 67-58 Clemson (Jan 12, 2025) Box Score - ESPN

Box score for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Clemson Tigers NCAAW game from January 12, 2025 on ESPN. Includes all points, rebounds and steals stats.

www.espn.com

 

[Frankus]

Thoughts about Clemson

Liatu King came up big again. The rest of the team shot relatively poorly, which could be the result of HH not being there pushing the pace in transition, and drawing lots of attention in the half court game.

Koval is still making some head scratching decisions. Maddy hit her wide open under the basket, and instead of going up immediately and scoring, she crunched down to dribble which gave a Clemson guard time to claw at the ball, and a big to block her shot. That must drive Ivey crazy

Maddy is moving well, but we need her to shoot better and be consistent. 33% is not gonna hack it

Another quiet game from Sonia. As much as I like her, and as valuable as she is, the way she's been playing it's hard to see her going as high as some WNBA draft predictions have her. This was the type of game where it would have helped to have her step up offensively. Maybe she's hurt. She's still wearing a leg compression sleeve. So, it's possible.

Prosper is getting better beating people off the dribble for layups. She struggles moving to the basket, catching a pass,and scoring. I'm sure they're trying to improve her hands as it relates to being a complete basketball player. If she had Liatu's hands she'd be a star. Like Koval, she's not there yet. She is very athletic, and plays with effort and physicality defensively, So she is being rewarded for it.

I'm even more convinced that Hannah will need a NPOY performance each game when we play deeper into the NCAA tournament. We have some real weaknesses that the best teams will exploit. Thankfully, we have more depth so that she will get some rest. She cannot be off the floor for long for us to have a chance to win it all.

Karlen didn't play much the 2nd half. I don't blame Ivey for playing the more athletic Prosper ( with a higher ceiling) more, along with the bigger/taller Koval. We need physicality and size inside to help Liatu.

 

[Dillon77]

Some next-morning comments following ND's 81-66 win over Georgia Tech.

- Both teams were missing their leading scorers last night: Hannah Hidalgo (ND) and Dani Carnegie (GT).
That said, close game in the first half....

- The ACC commentating crew last night brought up that Ga. Tech has been largely working without sets (plays) most of the year. Heck, Nell Fortner likes ISO ball more than Coach Ivey? Who knew? In fact, GT put in their first few just for this game. I think that may have led to some of the defensive issues for ND in the first half: how do you look for patterns when there really aren't any, save for individual moves?

However, there are those one-on-one moves and GT's Tonie Morgan and Kara Dunn were driving right, righter and rightest. Reminded me of the ND-Illinois game. ND's Liatu King started coming from the weakside to help, but she's not a shot blocker like Kate Koval, who barely played, so those GT guards could keep going.

- Hence, ND's move in the third quarter to a 2-3 zone was a big-time, smart move. Barely any sets were being run by a first-time starter who seemed more comfortable firing from 35 ft.? Maddy Westbeld does a good job of anchoring the 2-3 and 6'3" guard Cass Prosper got more comfortable moving up and down on the wing position to distract GT's long-range shooters.
Ga. Tech scored 36 in first half, 14 in third qtr. and 16 in fourth.

- Soni Citron said she took what was given, but it sure as heck looked like she was on a mission to take it to the middle. GT is relatively small and have no shot blocking (one last night). So that strategy worked. Some of her acceleration surprised me and I've had eyes on her for her whole career. Nine of 13, no threes, perfect from the line. Six rebounds and assists. Great game.

Citron is apparently the leading FT shooter in the country with a 94%. Don't know if she'll have enough attempts at end of year, but at the end-of-a-game when the opposition needs to foul, ND's strategy should be simple: get the ball to Citron. Period.

- Loved the ACC post-game interview with Maddy Westbeld was asked about a discussion at halftime on ND's 14 first-half turnoverrs, Answer: Hannah Hidalgo got into them. Why am I not surprised?

- 50 to 25 rebounding edge for ND. As noted by many ND observers during the ND during-game conversations, those 21 turnovers kept it close. Hannah will help there, but still, so many were unforced.

• Lastly, the ACC "Nothing but Net" team was discussing what, if any, concerns they had about ND going forward. Most wondered how Coach Ivey would juggle PT. Coach McGraw said she wished there was one more back-up point guard. Kelly Gramlich was jokingly incredulous:
• Hannah spells Olivia and Olivia spells Hannah. And Soni can fill in for awhile.
• "What do you want, three All-American point guards on one team?"
• Muffet chuckled and acknowledged that "I like guards." Yup.

Next team up: SMU.

 

[Reypl21]

I liked what I saw in this game. I didn't get to watch the first half, so I will go back and watch it when ACC posts it. I can't confirm if Olivia was forcing shots. I watched the second half and it seemed like Olivia was forcing some shots in the third when the game was close. Including a quick point shot that was a little concerning. It reminded me of two seasons ago when she would press and start making poor decisions. ND turned it around when she let Citron, Prosper, and Westbeld take over the scoring. Then the floor opened up for her in the 4th to do some scoring damage.

Hannah had to learn last season to let her teammates score more in bigger games. The level that Hannah, Westbeld, and Citron were playing at last post season was incredible. Olivia has to learn to let them cook too, which she did. If we want to win it all we need an engaged Citron like she was tonight. And of course Westbeld scoring at all 3 levels is a plus too.

I'm really ecstatic about Prosper. Perhaps her best game of her career.

 

[cancontent]

Some next-morning comments following ND's 81-66 win over Georgia Tech.

- Both teams were missing their leading scorers last night: Hannah Hidalgo (ND) and Dani Carnegie (GT).
That said, close game in the first half....

- The ACC commentating crew last night brought up that Ga. Tech has been largely working without sets (plays) most of the year. Heck, Nell Fortner likes ISO ball more than Coach Ivey? Who knew? In fact, GT put in their first few just for this game. I think that may have led to some of the defensive issues for ND in the first half: how do you look for patterns when there really aren't any, save for individual moves?

However, there are those one-on-one moves and GT's Tonie Morgan and Kara Dunn were driving right, righter and rightest. Reminded me of the ND-Illinois game. ND's Liatu King started coming from the weakside to help, but she's not a shot blocker like Kate Koval, who barely played, so those GT guards could keep going.

- Hence, ND's move in the third quarter to a 2-3 zone was a big-time, smart move. Barely any sets were being run by a first-time starter who seemed more comfortable firing from 35 ft.? Maddy Westbeld does a good job of anchoring the 2-3 and 6'3" guard Cass Prosper got more comfortable moving up and down on the wing position to distract GT's long-range shooters.
Ga. Tech scored 36 in first half, 14 in third qtr. and 16 in fourth.

- Soni Citron said she took what was given, but it sure as heck looked like she was on a mission to take it to the middle. GT is relatively small and have no shot blocking (one last night). So that strategy worked. Some of her acceleration surprised me and I've had eyes on her for her whole career. Nine of 13, no threes, perfect from the line. Six rebounds and assists. Great game.

Citron is apparently the leading FT shooter in the country with a 94%. Don't know if she'll have enough attempts at end of year, but at the end-of-a-game when the opposition needs to foul, ND's strategy should be simple: get the ball to Citron. Period.

- Loved the ACC post-game interview with Maddy Westbeld was asked about a discussion at halftime on ND's 14 first-half turnoverrs, Answer: Hannah Hidalgo got into them. Why am I not surprised?

- 50 to 25 rebounding edge for ND. As noted by many ND observers during the ND during-game conversations, those 21 turnovers kept it close. Hannah will help there, but still, so many were unforced.

• Lastly, the ACC "Nothing but Net" team was discussing what, if any, concerns they had about ND going forward. Most wondered how Coach Ivey would juggle PT. Coach McGraw said she wished there was one more back-up point guard. Kelly Gramlich was jokingly incredulous:
• Hannah spells Olivia and Olivia spells Hannah. And Soni can fill in for awhile.
• "What do you want, three All-American point guards on one team?"
• Muffet chuckled and acknowledged that "I like guards." Yup.

Next team up: SMU.

Her point was valid. While Citron can handle the role to an extent, it would hamper ND in some aspects.

 

[cancontent]

I liked what I saw in this game. I didn't get to watch the first half, so I will go back and watch it when ACC posts it. I can't confirm if Olivia was forcing shots. I watched the second half and it seemed like Olivia was forcing some shots in the third when the game was close. Including a quick point shot that was a little concerning. It reminded me of two seasons ago when she would press and start making poor decisions. ND turned it around when she let Citron, Prosper, and Westbeld take over the scoring. Then the floor opened up for her in the 4th to do some scoring damage.

Hannah had to learn last season to let her teammates score more in bigger games. The level that Hannah, Westbeld, and Citron were playing at last post season was incredible. Olivia has to learn to let them cook too, which she did. If we want to win it all we need an engaged Citron like she was tonight. And of course Westbeld scoring at all 3 levels is a plus too.

I'm really ecstatic about Prosper. Perhaps her best game of her career.

Was thinking the same thing last night. Hopefully this is the light bulb moment for her and this continues.

 

[Dillon77]

I liked what I saw in this game. I didn't get to watch the first half, so I will go back and watch it when ACC posts it. I can't confirm if Olivia was forcing shots. I watched the second half and it seemed like Olivia was forcing some shots in the third when the game was close. Including a quick point shot that was a little concerning. It reminded me of two seasons ago when she would press and start making poor decisions. ND turned it around when she let Citron, Prosper, and Westbeld take over the scoring. Then the floor opened up for her in the 4th to do some scoring damage.

Hannah had to learn last season to let her teammates score more in bigger games. The level that Hannah, Westbeld, and Citron were playing at last post season was incredible. Olivia has to learn to let them cook too, which she did. If we want to win it all we need an engaged Citron like she was tonight. And of course Westbeld scoring at all 3 levels is a plus too.

I'm really ecstatic about Prosper. Perhaps her best game of her career.

I can save you a bit of time: Miles wasn't forcing that many shots. What was happening: she was coming up short. Consistently.
This isn't so much a return to two years ago, pe se: Miles has become a genuine threat to score due to post-surgery workouts.
That's good. The "eh" news segues into your point: she's still a distributor first and foremost and ND depends on she to find Westbeld and her buddy, Citron, to be at her best. I've noted (more than) a few times when she's chosen not to dish out to the arc to a wide-open player (including Citron) in favor of looking for penetration. Whereas once Citron had GT on the heels from her driving was delivering dimes to open perimeter shooters. Necessitates a slight change in the pecking order.

Prosper is gradually letting the game come to her. Just slow down a bit in the open floor and concentrate on finishing the drives.
Once that's there, ND is a very dangerous team the rest of the season with her as another option.

 

[Dillon77]

Her point was valid. While Citron can handle the role to an extent, it would hamper ND in some aspects.

Valid point...perhaps to the degree that someone gets hurt for a long stretch. Gramlich and I are not talking a lot of minutes -- 5 at most. But the team adjusts: Citron equaled Miles in assists last night, so she was generating a lot of the half-court sets.

Realistic take: Not really. Getting another point guard is not happening in foreseeable future. Second, Ivey -- like most college coaches -- is going to start tightening her rotation and you won't Citron, Miles or Hidalgo come off the floor much. Heck, Citron played all 40 minutes last night.

Looking ahead to 2025-26, Ivey thinks so much of Hidalgo that she didn't even recruit another point guard. Maybe KK Bransford will spell her for a few minutes per game. Or they'll look at the transfer portal. But they're not seriously recruiting another PG until the Classes of 2026 and 2027.

 

[jdote33]

They really might have 4 first round wnba draft picks. I don't see what Maddy's missing to get drafted. Same with liatu king. I get she's undersized but she's pretty good in the mid range and explosive. Soni probably played her best game this season and kinda showed how much she sacrifices playing so much off the ball when Hidalgo and Miles are running the show.

 

[Frankus]

Some next-morning comments following ND's 81-66 win over Georgia Tech.

- Both teams were missing their leading scorers last night: Hannah Hidalgo (ND) and Dani Carnegie (GT).
That said, close game in the first half....

- The ACC commentating crew last night brought up that Ga. Tech has been largely working without sets (plays) most of the year. Heck, Nell Fortner likes ISO ball more than Coach Ivey? Who knew? In fact, GT put in their first few just for this game. I think that may have led to some of the defensive issues for ND in the first half: how do you look for patterns when there really aren't any, save for individual moves?

However, there are those one-on-one moves and GT's Tonie Morgan and Kara Dunn were driving right, righter and rightest. Reminded me of the ND-Illinois game. ND's Liatu King started coming from the weakside to help, but she's not a shot blocker like Kate Koval, who barely played, so those GT guards could keep going.

- Hence, ND's move in the third quarter to a 2-3 zone was a big-time, smart move. Barely any sets were being run by a first-time starter who seemed more comfortable firing from 35 ft.? Maddy Westbeld does a good job of anchoring the 2-3 and 6'3" guard Cass Prosper got more comfortable moving up and down on the wing position to distract GT's long-range shooters.
Ga. Tech scored 36 in first half, 14 in third qtr. and 16 in fourth.

- Soni Citron said she took what was given, but it sure as heck looked like she was on a mission to take it to the middle. GT is relatively small and have no shot blocking (one last night). So that strategy worked. Some of her acceleration surprised me and I've had eyes on her for her whole career. Nine of 13, no threes, perfect from the line. Six rebounds and assists. Great game.

Citron is apparently the leading FT shooter in the country with a 94%. Don't know if she'll have enough attempts at end of year, but at the end-of-a-game when the opposition needs to foul, ND's strategy should be simple: get the ball to Citron. Period.

- Loved the ACC post-game interview with Maddy Westbeld was asked about a discussion at halftime on ND's 14 first-half turnoverrs, Answer: Hannah Hidalgo got into them. Why am I not surprised?

- 50 to 25 rebounding edge for ND. As noted by many ND observers during the ND during-game conversations, those 21 turnovers kept it close. Hannah will help there, but still, so many were unforced.

• Lastly, the ACC "Nothing but Net" team was discussing what, if any, concerns they had about ND going forward. Most wondered how Coach Ivey would juggle PT. Coach McGraw said she wished there was one more back-up point guard. Kelly Gramlich was jokingly incredulous:
• Hannah spells Olivia and Olivia spells Hannah. And Soni can fill in for awhile.
• "What do you want, three All-American point guards on one team?"
• Muffet chuckled and acknowledged that "I like guards." Yup.

Next team up: SMU.

Nice analysis!

You could really see the veteran chemistry between Maddy, Sonia and Olivia last night. At one point I swear I saw Maddy tell Olivia which set play she wanted, which was a pass from OM to Maddy at the top of the key and then Maddy throwing a quick pass to Sonia for an easy score.

Our ball movement in the half court was excellent.

That was Prosper's best game ever. She did everything well. If she can consistently play like that, we'll be taking another step forward. I wouldn't be surprised to see her getting more and more playing time, particularly if her 3 point shooting is like last night.

Karlen just can't buy a bucket.

Uncharacteristically, neither could Liatu last night, but she's indispensable to this team.

I'm looking forward to Hannah's return and the return of our awesome transition game.

 

[DallasDomer]

Some next-morning comments following ND's 81-66 win over Georgia Tech.

- Both teams were missing their leading scorers last night: Hannah Hidalgo (ND) and Dani Carnegie (GT).
That said, close game in the first half....

- The ACC commentating crew last night brought up that Ga. Tech has been largely working without sets (plays) most of the year. Heck, Nell Fortner likes ISO ball more than Coach Ivey? Who knew? In fact, GT put in their first few just for this game. I think that may have led to some of the defensive issues for ND in the first half: how do you look for patterns when there really aren't any, save for individual moves?

However, there are those one-on-one moves and GT's Tonie Morgan and Kara Dunn were driving right, righter and rightest. Reminded me of the ND-Illinois game. ND's Liatu King started coming from the weakside to help, but she's not a shot blocker like Kate Koval, who barely played, so those GT guards could keep going.

- Hence, ND's move in the third quarter to a 2-3 zone was a big-time, smart move. Barely any sets were being run by a first-time starter who seemed more comfortable firing from 35 ft.? Maddy Westbeld does a good job of anchoring the 2-3 and 6'3" guard Cass Prosper got more comfortable moving up and down on the wing position to distract GT's long-range shooters.
Ga. Tech scored 36 in first half, 14 in third qtr. and 16 in fourth.

- Soni Citron said she took what was given, but it sure as heck looked like she was on a mission to take it to the middle. GT is relatively small and have no shot blocking (one last night). So that strategy worked. Some of her acceleration surprised me and I've had eyes on her for her whole career. Nine of 13, no threes, perfect from the line. Six rebounds and assists. Great game.

Citron is apparently the leading FT shooter in the country with a 94%. Don't know if she'll have enough attempts at end of year, but at the end-of-a-game when the opposition needs to foul, ND's strategy should be simple: get the ball to Citron. Period.

- Loved the ACC post-game interview with Maddy Westbeld was asked about a discussion at halftime on ND's 14 first-half turnoverrs, Answer: Hannah Hidalgo got into them. Why am I not surprised?

- 50 to 25 rebounding edge for ND. As noted by many ND observers during the ND during-game conversations, those 21 turnovers kept it close. Hannah will help there, but still, so many were unforced.

• Lastly, the ACC "Nothing but Net" team was discussing what, if any, concerns they had about ND going forward. Most wondered how Coach Ivey would juggle PT. Coach McGraw said she wished there was one more back-up point guard. Kelly Gramlich was jokingly incredulous:
• Hannah spells Olivia and Olivia spells Hannah. And Soni can fill in for awhile.
• "What do you want, three All-American point guards on one team?"
• Muffet chuckled and acknowledged that "I like guards." Yup.

Next team up: SMU.

I also thought Cotton showed her true speed and fast cuts. It made me wonder if she was deferring to Hidalgo but finally went full speed without her.

Very impressive game for Citron, Westbeld, and Prosper. It showed how to win when a player has an off night.

 

[packwrap]

I see the fun offensively. Defensively not so much. We'll see. It's early, but it's a concern, because there are teams with powerul bigs who have athletic guards that will knock down kick out shots when we have to double inside due to our lack of inside power. I'm looking forward to seeing if there are any strategic changes when this happens again in ACC play, and more fight from Koval/Karlen/Westbeld.

I gotta laugh to see that you guys are concerned about your bigs. Must be contagious from UConn board.

I think you are in good shape. Westbeld and King, with Karlen and Koval in rotation is pretty solid. You even have Prosper and Citron available in a bind or for small ball. You can use that army on Betts.

The best weapon against you is to move the regional to the Caymans Islands.