Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks Face Uphill Battle Against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in NCAA Tournament First Round
The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to tip off, and one of the intriguing first-round matchups pits the underdog 14th-seeded Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks against the formidable No. 3 seed Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The game is scheduled for Friday at 2 p.m. ET at Purcell Pavilion on the campus of Notre Dame, offering a distinct home-court advantage for the Irish. ESPN will broadcast the contest, ensuring fans nationwide can witness this David versus Goliath encounter.
Stephen F. Austin, boasting an impressive 29-5 overall record, enters the tournament riding high after a successful season. However, the Ladyjacks face a significant step up in competition against a Notre Dame squad that concluded the regular season with a stellar 26-5 record. While SFA dominated their conference, navigating their way to a tournament berth, the challenge of facing a Power Five program like Notre Dame on their home court presents a unique and daunting obstacle.
Notre Dame, despite their strong record, is coming off a recent setback, a 61-56 loss to Duke in their conference tournament. This loss, while a disappointment, likely serves as a valuable learning experience for the Fighting Irish, fueling their determination to perform well in the NCAA Tournament. They will undoubtedly be eager to shake off the defeat and demonstrate their true potential on the national stage. The sting of the loss to Duke could motivate the Irish to come out with a renewed focus and intensity, making them an even more dangerous opponent.
The Ladyjacks, in contrast, are entering the tournament with momentum, having secured a 65-57 victory against SE Louisiana in their most recent game. While the level of competition differs significantly between SE Louisiana and Notre Dame, the win provides SFA with confidence and a positive mindset heading into the tournament. They will need to carry that confidence and belief in their abilities into the game against the Fighting Irish if they hope to pull off an upset.
A key player to watch for Notre Dame is Hannah Hidalgo. In the loss against Duke, Hidalgo showcased her offensive prowess, leading the team with 23 points. While she added only two rebounds and three assists, her scoring ability is undeniable, and she will likely be a focal point of the Notre Dame offense. SFA will need to devise a defensive strategy to contain Hidalgo and limit her scoring opportunities if they want to stay competitive. Slowing her down is key to undermining the Notre Dame offense.
For Stephen F. Austin, Trinity Moore stood out in their victory against SE Louisiana, posting a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, along with three assists. Moore’s all-around performance highlights her importance to the Ladyjacks’ success. Her ability to score, rebound, and contribute as a playmaker makes her a valuable asset for SFA. She will need to replicate or even surpass her performance against SE Louisiana for SFA to have a chance against Notre Dame.
The game presents a contrast in styles and recent performance trends. Notre Dame has experienced a slight dip in their scoring output in recent games. While they have averaged 84.7 points per game throughout the season, they have only managed 79.8 points per game in their last 10 contests, a decrease of 4.9 points. This slight decline in scoring could be attributed to various factors, including tougher competition or a temporary offensive slump.
Stephen F. Austin has also seen a decrease in their scoring in their most recent contests. While they have averaged 77.9 points per game throughout the 2024-2025 season, they have only managed 71.4 points per game in their last 10 games. This decline in scoring could be a concern for SFA as they face a strong defensive team in Notre Dame. The Ladyjacks will need to find ways to generate more offensive firepower if they hope to keep pace with the Fighting Irish.
The matchup between Notre Dame and Stephen F. Austin presents a classic tournament scenario: a high-major program with national aspirations facing a mid-major team hungry to prove themselves on the big stage. Notre Dame, playing at home and possessing a wealth of talent, will undoubtedly be the favorite. Their size, athleticism, and experience in high-pressure situations give them a clear advantage. They will look to control the tempo of the game and utilize their offensive firepower to overwhelm SFA.
However, Stephen F. Austin should not be underestimated. They have a proven track record of success this season, and they will be determined to make the most of their opportunity. They will need to play with relentless energy, execute their game plan effectively, and capitalize on any mistakes made by Notre Dame. Their strong team chemistry and determination could make them a dangerous opponent.
The Ladyjacks’ chances of pulling off the upset hinge on several factors. First, they must limit turnovers and control the pace of the game. A slower, more deliberate tempo would favor SFA, preventing Notre Dame from utilizing their athleticism in transition. Second, SFA must shoot efficiently from the field, particularly from beyond the arc. Hot shooting could help them stay close to Notre Dame and put pressure on the Irish.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Stephen F. Austin must believe in themselves and play with unwavering confidence. They must embrace the underdog role and leave everything on the court. If they can execute their game plan effectively and play with heart and determination, they have a chance to make this first-round matchup a memorable one. While an upset is unlikely, the allure of March Madness is always present, and SFA will be looking to defy the odds and advance to the next round. The game promises to be a compelling contest between two teams with contrasting styles and aspirations. Notre Dame will be looking to reassert their dominance after their recent loss, while Stephen F. Austin will be aiming to shock the nation and continue their improbable tournament run.
Fans looking to catch the action can tune in to ESPN at 2 p.m. ET or explore streaming options such as Fubo.
