The ACC Tournament Path Set for Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women’s Basketball Tournament is always a highly anticipated event, and this year, Notre Dame’s journey to the championship promises to be full of excitement. With the path now set, the Fighting Irish are gearing up to make a strong run for the title. The tournament will showcase some of the best teams in the nation, and Notre Dame, as a perennial powerhouse, will be looking to build on their impressive regular season performance. Here’s a look at the journey ahead for the Fighting Irish.

1. The Season Overview: Notre Dame Women’s Basketball

Notre Dame Women’s Basketball has long been one of the most storied programs in NCAA history. With head coach Niele Ivey at the helm, the Irish have maintained a high level of performance and consistency. The 2024 season has been no different, as they’ve managed to remain competitive against the top teams in the ACC and beyond. The team’s strength lies in its balance—combining explosive scoring, gritty defense, and exceptional coaching.

During the regular season, Notre Dame finished among the top contenders in the ACC, showcasing a solid roster led by key players who have made an impact on both ends of the floor. They’ve displayed resilience through close games, and their well-rounded attack has often been a decisive factor in their wins. Heading into the tournament, the Irish will be hoping to continue that momentum and build on their success.

2. Regular Season Performance: A Preview of What’s to Come

Notre Dame finished the regular season with a strong record in the ACC, battling with heavyweights like Louisville, North Carolina, and Duke. Their performance throughout the conference season has positioned them well for the tournament.

Key Players for Notre Dame:

• Olivia Miles: A dynamic guard, Olivia has been instrumental for the Irish both offensively and defensively. Her playmaking abilities, vision, and leadership on the floor make her one of the best in the ACC.
• Maddy Westbeld: A consistent forward, Maddy has been a steady presence for Notre Dame. Her ability to score in various ways, whether inside or from the mid-range, gives the Irish a versatile offensive weapon.
• Sonia Citron: A sharpshooter and lockdown defender, Citron has been crucial in stretching defenses and providing an additional scoring option for Notre Dame.

The Irish’s balanced approach, led by these players, has allowed them to remain competitive all season long, even in high-pressure situations. With the postseason upon them, the focus will now shift toward executing their game plans to perfection.

3. Key Matchups in the ACC Tournament

The path to the ACC title will not be easy for Notre Dame. As always, the tournament is filled with talented teams that will provide significant challenges. Let’s look at some of the key matchups that will shape Notre Dame’s journey.

• Potential First-Round Opponent: The Irish enter the tournament with a strong seed, so they will most likely face a team coming off a first-round game. Typically, in the ACC, this means facing a lower-seeded team, but these teams often come into the tournament with a chip on their shoulder and a sense of urgency. Teams like Virginia Tech or Syracuse, who have had competitive seasons, could pose a significant challenge.
• Quarterfinals: A potential quarterfinal matchup for Notre Dame could be against either Miami or NC State. Both teams have been unpredictable this season, with NC State having a strong defensive unit and Miami offering dynamic offensive play. For Notre Dame, key to success will be disrupting their opponent’s offensive rhythm and exploiting any defensive weaknesses.
• Semifinals: The semifinals could bring them face-to-face with one of the ACC’s premier teams, such as Louisville or North Carolina. Louisville has been a dominant force in the ACC for several years, known for their high-energy, fast-paced style of play. North Carolina, with their aggressive rebounding and athleticism, could also present a tough matchup. The Irish will need to rely on their ability to dictate the tempo and control the boards to advance past these teams.
• Finals: If Notre Dame makes it to the ACC Championship Game, they could face a team like Florida State or Duke, who have the potential to make deep runs as well. Florida State is always tough with their physicality and defensive prowess, while Duke has a high-powered offense that can overwhelm opponents. In the final, the stakes will be high, and Notre Dame will need to execute their game plan with precision, relying on their experienced players to lead them to victory.

4. The Road to the Title: How Notre Dame Can Succeed

Notre Dame’s path to the ACC Tournament title requires a balanced and disciplined approach. They will need to focus on several key aspects of the game to ensure success.

• Defensive Pressure: The Irish have been one of the better defensive teams in the ACC, and their ability to limit opposing teams’ scoring will be key in the tournament. In a one-game elimination format, defense often wins championships, and Notre Dame’s length, athleticism, and basketball IQ give them the tools to shut down even the most potent offenses.
• Offensive Efficiency: While defense is crucial, Notre Dame will also need to maintain offensive efficiency, especially against high-scoring teams. The Irish have a versatile offense that can score in many ways, from fast breaks to half-court sets. Olivia Miles’ playmaking will be key in running the offense and getting the ball to the right players at the right time.
• Rebounding and Second-Chance Opportunities: Rebounding has often been a decisive factor in close games, and Notre Dame has the advantage in this area. Maddy Westbeld’s ability to crash the boards and generate second-chance points will be vital as they face teams with strong interior players. Winning the battle on the glass could tip the scales in their favor.
• Clutch Play in Big Moments: Tournament play often comes down to clutch performances. Players like Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld have shown the ability to step up in crunch time, and it will be essential for them to keep their composure under pressure. As the tournament progresses, the margin for error becomes smaller, and Notre Dame’s veterans will need to lead by example.

5. The Importance of Coaching

Head coach Niele Ivey has done an excellent job with this team, keeping them focused and grounded throughout the regular season. Her ability to make in-game adjustments, read matchups, and motivate her players in critical moments will be tested in the ACC Tournament. Ivey’s experience as a player and a coach at the highest level provides her with the tools necessary to guide Notre Dame through the intense tournament atmosphere. Her leadership will be a key factor in determining how far Notre Dame advances.

6. The Impact of the ACC Tournament on NCAA Seeding

While the ACC Tournament is a prestigious event in itself, it also has major implications for the NCAA Tournament. A deep run to the finals or a championship could boost Notre Dame’s seeding in the NCAA Tournament, potentially allowing them to secure a more favorable bracket position. Conversely, an early exit could impact their chances for a top seed, though Notre Dame’s strong regular season performance likely ensures they’ll receive a favorable position in the NCAA Tournament regardless of their ACC result.

7. Looking Ahead: Beyond the ACC Tournament

The ACC Tournament is just one step in Notre Dame’s larger goal of securing a national championship. While the ACC title would be a significant accomplishment, the Irish know that the ultimate prize lies in the NCAA Tournament. With a talented roster and an experienced coaching staff, Notre Dame is well-positioned to make a deep run in March Madness.

However, the focus now is solely on the ACC Tournament, as Notre Dame aims to secure a championship and build momentum heading into the NCAA Tournament. Their path to the title will not be easy, but with the talent, coaching, and determination on their side, the Fighting Irish are poised to make a statement in this year’s ACC Tournament.