In an exciting clash of NCAA Tournament titans, the No. 3 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish (27-5) faces off against the No. 6 seed Michigan Wolverines (23-10) on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana, starting at 1 p.m. ET. Both teams are determined to secure their spot in the Sweet 16, making the stakes of this matchup incredibly high.
Notre Dame comes into this game on the heels of a resounding victory over Stephen F. Austin, where they triumphed 106-54, showcasing their dominant style of play. The Fighting Irish scored an impressive 62 points in the paint during their last outing, helped by strong performances from Sonia Citron and Hannah Hidalgo, who both scored 24 points. Citrons own stats also included seven rebounds, four steals, and three blocks, while Hidalgo rounded out her game with six rebounds, five assists, and five steals. This game highlighted the Fighting Irish's depth and offensive strength, firmly establishing them as a formidable contender in the tournament.
On the other hand, Michigan enters this contest fresh from an 80-74 victory against Iowa State, where Jordan Hobbs impressively led the Wolverines with 28 points and six rebounds. Hobbs’s performance was essential in lifting Michigan from a tough start, as they had to claw back into the game after facing a 10-point deficit. The Wolverines, known for their tenacious defense, forced 18 turnovers and had 12 steals, which proved crucial in their success against Iowa State. This blend of strong offensive talent and defensive grit places Michigan in a position to challenge Notre Dame effectively.
In terms of statistics, Michigan boasts an average of 78.2 points scored per game, ranked 21st nationally, while Notre Dame's offense is highlighted by an impressive 85.4 points per game, placing them fourth. However, Michigan’s defense has allowed an average of 66 points per game, a point of concern as they face a high-scoring Irish team. Notre Dame's defensive stats also speak volumes, as they only concede 61.9 points per game, ranked 117th in the nation. With such contrasting stats, it’s clear that whichever team establishes their game first could potentially sway the outcome.
Michigan relies heavily on its guards, featuring a starting lineup comprised entirely of players in the backcourt. Olivia Olson and Syla Swords lead the way, with Olson averaging 16.2 points and 5.4 rebounds, while Swords is right behind her with 15.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. The Wolverines have shown that the collective effort from their starters — who scored all 80 points against Iowa State — is crucial for their success, highlighting their reliance on their starting five. This intensity is necessary if they are to break through Notre Dame's robust defense.
On the other side, Notre Dame's offense draws strength from a well-rounded rotation. Hidalgo’s scoring prowess at 24.2 points per game, along with contributions from Olivia Miles and Citron, emphasizes their capabilities to overwhelm defenses. Miles adds 15.8 points and nearly six assists per game, reflecting her playmaking abilities. Collectively, this trio represents a significant challenge for Michigan's defense, which will have to maintain their composure and discipline.
Both teams are gearing up for a historic match where the winner advances to the Sweet 16 to face either Louisville or TCU on March 28, 2025. Tom Noie, a columnist for the South Bend Tribune, predicts a competitive outing, forecasting a victory for Notre Dame with a score of 85-74. This projection illustrates the confidence stemming from Notre Dame’s recent strong performance and bolstered morale heading into this match.
As anticipation builds for this exciting matchup, the Irish aim to keep their post-season momentum going strong while Michigan hopes to upset the higher-seeded team and prove their worth in this prestigious tournament. Tune in to ABC at 1 p.m. ET to witness who will emerge victorious and continue their journey in March Madness.
