Fighting Irish Today

A dazzling offensive performance powered No. 8 Notre Dame (9-2) to its most dominant win of the season on Sunday, as the Irish overwhelmed Eastern Michigan (1-6) with a 118-49 victory. The 118 points marked the fifth-highest total in program history, while the 69-point margin ranked eighth. Notre Dame shot an exceptional 69.8% from the field, a feat last achieved in 2018.

Hannah Hidalgo led the charge with 27 points, while six Irish players scored in double figures. Emma Risch (23 points) and Cassandre Prosper (20 points) both posted career highs, with Risch tying the program record for the second-most three-pointers in a game, hitting seven from beyond the arc.

The Irish wasted no time asserting dominance. A trio of first-half runs of 10-0 or more, including a 15-0 start, left Eastern Michigan struggling to keep pace. Notre Dame hit 11 of its first 15 shots, including four three-pointers. Risch knocked down three of those triples, surpassing her previous season-high of 12 points within the game’s first seven minutes.

An 11-0 run closed out the first half in style, capped by a buzzer-beater trey from Olivia Miles off a quick dish from Hidalgo. Notre Dame ended the half shooting 9-for-15 from three, with Risch hitting four and Miles adding three. The Irish dominated in the paint with 24 points and reached the break with a commanding 61-20 lead. It marked the first time Notre Dame scored at least 60 in a half since the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

By halftime, four players were already in double figures: Miles (13), Risch (12), Hidalgo (10), and Liatu King (10). King also grabbed 7 rebounds. All seven Irish players who appeared in the half recorded at least one assist, contributing to the team’s 14 total assists.

Risch continued her hot streak in the second half, adding two more three-pointers in the third quarter. Hidalgo led the frame with 9 points, while Risch chipped in 8 and Prosper added 7. The Irish shot 12-for-17 in the quarter, maintaining their offensive efficiency.

In the fourth quarter, Notre Dame’s depth shone as seven different players scored, including a three-pointer from Sarah Cernugel. The Irish extended their lead to as much as 74 points late in the game.

Notre Dame now takes a week off for final exams before hosting Loyola Maryland next Sunday.