No. 6 NC State rides defense to shut down Notre Dame. 3 takeaways from the Pack’s win
N.C. State gave up 72 points at home to Virginia Tech one week ago.
But in its last two games, the Wolfpack gave up a combined 90 points, including 43 on Thursday at Notre Dame.
No. 6 N.C. State (22-3, 10-3 ACC) picked up its second straight victory, beating No. 16 Notre Dame (18-6, 8-5 ACC) on the road, 59-43. It was the first time in at least 15 years that an opponent held the Fighting Irish under 50 points at Purcell Pavilion.
Additionally, the Pack held the Irish to just 18 points in the first half, Notre Dame’s lowest point total in a half since January 2020 against Duke. The Irish’s final score was also their lowest total since scoring 38 against Louisville in the ACC Tournament last year.
Senior River Baldwin flexed her muscles against the Irish in South Bend, scoring 14 points and pulling down 10 rebounds in the victory. She scored 12 points in the first half and contributed significantly in the team’s 14-0 first-quarter run.
Junior Saniya Rivers shot 1-8 from the field in the first half but finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds. This was the first time since the N.C. State’s win at Virginia on Dec. 31 that multiple players had a double-double.
“This is a tough place to play. A very talented team, and on the road — a great atmosphere for them. I’m just real proud of the way we came out, started the game and jumped out on them. I think that probably gave us some confidence,” N.C. State head coach Wes Moore said. “Also, I’m really proud of the way they executed. There were certain things we wanted to do defensively, and they did an unbelievable job carrying that out and making it work.”
Senior Madison Hayes credits the 73-59 loss at Miami to its defensive performances against Notre Dame — especially away from home. N.C. State’s opponents have scored an average of 50 points in the last four road games, holding all but Boston College under 50.
“After the Miami loss, we just felt, like, ‘No more,’” Hayes said. “Our potential just went higher and higher every game. I feel like this shows that we can play on the road.
There’s still plenty of work to do, Moore said, but its two recent wins are significant in setting the program up for potential postseason success.
“To go on the road against a great team and find a way to win really sets the tone for the stretch we have coming up,” Moore said. “This is a critical time of year. You’re really battling for a lot of things standing-wise, seeding-wise, so that makes it a big win.”
Here are three takeaways from the win:
NC State dominates in the paint
Much of the Wolfpack’s success came in the paint — on both ends of the floor.
N.C. State had a 14-0 run in the first quarter and led by as many as 15 points. Most of the early offense ran through Baldwin, who recorded eight points in the first period. In the second quarter, she added an offensive rebound and layup to give the Pack a 17-point lead.
The Wolfpack recorded 16 first-half paint points and 28 overall.
On the other end of the court, N.C. State took three charges in the first quarter alone, five overall. It also added six blocks in the win.
“We did a great job defensively but also probably got a little bit lucky,” Moore said. “They struggled to shoot the ball some, and I’ll give our players credit for defending well, but also sometimes you get a break or two there.”
Offensive efficiency better than appears
N.C. State’s strength is obviously its defense, but the offense was relatively efficient, despite the low score.
The Wolfpackshot 24-56 (42.9%) from the field and 7-14 (50.0%) from 3-point range. Even when the Irish pressed in the fourth, N.C. State hit 5 of 11.
Rivers struggled on offense early but scored eight points in the second half.
The Pack scored seven second-chance points and 16 off Notre Dame turnovers, as well. It might not have been a high scoring game, but N.C. State made its possessions count.
Pack slows down Hannah Hidalgo
Notre Dame freshman Hannah Hidalgo entered the game averaging 25 points per game. The Wolfpack defense held her to nothing in the first half, the first scoreless half in her short career, and far under her average.
Hidalgo is the reigning ACC Rookie of the Week, but she only shot 0-9 from the field in the first half, struggling to find the basket against the lock-down defense.
The Wolfpack used multiple players to guard Hidalgo, with More noting the freshman’s plays at the bucket.
“No one’s gonna guard her one-on-one and contain her. She is so explosive and quick off the bounce,” Moore said. “It was definitely a team effort. We were trying to really get our posts up there beside the pick and close gaps because she’ll sneak through a gap and get to the rim in a hurry.”
She scored her first layup with 7:16 in the third quarter, recording a steal and making a layup in transition. Hidalgo ended up with 10 points, a season low.
Hidalgo is the favorite to win the league’s Rookie of the Year award, but she couldn’t get into a shooting rhythm against the N.C. State defense.
This story was originally published February 15, 2024 at 9:03 PM.
