Hannah Hidalgo erupts for 31 points and 11 steals as SMU women’s basketball falls 88-63 to Notre Dame at Moody Coliseum.
SMU ran into a one-woman storm Sunday night at Moody Coliseum in an 88-63 Senior Night loss to the Fighting Irish.
Hannah Hidalgo didn’t just lead Notre Dame - she hijacked the game.
The Fighting Irish guard exploded for 31 points, 11 steals, nine rebounds and three assists in an 88-63 win over the Mustangs, stuffing every column of the box score and turning the third quarter into a personal highlight reel.
For SMU, it was a competitive start that unraveled in waves.
The Mustangs held an early 11-9 edge in the first quarter before Notre Dame’s offense found its rhythm. Iyana Moore sparked the surge, scoring 10 of her 20 points in the opening frame as the Irish shot 11-of-16 to build separation.
By halftime, SMU trailed 44-34 but remained within striking distance. Then came the avalanche.
Notre Dame ripped off 19 of the first 23 points in the third quarter, stretching the margin beyond reach. Hidalgo was everywhere defensively, swiping five of her 11 steals in that period alone and disrupting SMU’s ball movement at every turn.
The Irish turned 15 first-half turnovers into easy points and finished the night with 26 points off miscues.
Moore stayed efficient throughout, finishing 8-of-13 from the field and 4-of-8 from 3-point range. Gisela Sanchez added 10 points as Notre Dame pushed its ACC record to 10-6.
SMU battled but struggled to regain control once the game tilted in the third. The Mustangs were outscored 30-15 in that quarter and could not close the gap in the final 10 minutes as both teams traded baskets.
Hidalgo’s 11 steals etched her name into rare company as she’s now one of only two Division I players this century to record at least five career games with 10 or more steals. She’s also reached 30 points eight times this season and has scored in double figures in every game of her college career.
For SMU, the loss stings, but the lesson is clear: elite teams punish mistakes.
The Mustangs will regroup and look to clean up turnovers as they prepare for the next ACC challenge.