Ladyjacks ready to take on Notre Dame in NCAA tournament

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Ladyjacks ready to take on Notre Dame in NCAA tournament

The Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Ladyjacks are set to face the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament on Friday, March 21, 2025. The game will tip off at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana, and will be broadcast on ESPN. ​ESPN.com+4On3+4One Foot Down+4

Team Overviews

Stephen F. Austin Ladyjacks

The Ladyjacks enter the tournament with a 29-5 overall record, having secured the Southland Conference championship with a 16-4 conference record. This marks their third NCAA Tournament appearance in the last five seasons, though they have not advanced past the first round since 2000. ​On3

SFA is known for its high-octane offense, averaging 77.9 points per game, which ranks 24th nationally. They are particularly adept from beyond the arc, averaging 9.4 three-pointers made per game, placing them ninth in the nation. Defensively, the Ladyjacks allow 61.5 points per game, showcasing a balanced approach on both ends of the court. ​AP News+1Fox Sports+1

Key players for SFA include:

  • Faith Blackstone: A versatile forward averaging 14.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game.​AP News

  • Ashlyn Traylor: A dynamic guard contributing 13.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game.​

  • Trinity Moore: A strong presence in the paint, averaging 11.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game.​

  • Avery VanSickle: A sharpshooter averaging 11.3 points per game, with a notable 2.2 three-pointers made per game.​

  • Harmaine Dominguez: A reliable guard contributing 11.2 points per game and leading the team with 2.6 three-pointers made per game.​

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

The Fighting Irish hold a 26-5 overall record and finished 17-3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). They briefly held the No. 1 national ranking in February before encountering a few late-season setbacks, including losses to NC State and Florida State. ​Fox SportsOn3

Notre Dame boasts a potent offense, averaging 84.7 points per game, ranking fifth nationally. They have a scoring margin of +22.6 points, reflecting their dominance throughout the season. The team also excels in ball distribution, averaging 17.4 assists per game, and maintains a strong defensive presence, allowing 62.1 points per game. ​On3+1AP News+1

Notable players for Notre Dame include:

  • Hannah Hidalgo: A First Team All-American guard known for her scoring ability and defensive prowess.​

  • Olivia Miles: A Second Team All-American guard who orchestrates the offense with her playmaking skills.​

  • Sonia Citron: An Honorable Mention All-American guard contributing significantly on both ends of the floor.​On3

Matchup Analysis

This first-round matchup presents a classic David vs. Goliath scenario, with the third-seeded Notre Dame favored by 31.5 points over the 14th-seeded SFA. The Fighting Irish’s high-scoring offense and home-court advantage position them as the clear favorites.​Fighting Irish Athletics+3One Foot Down+3Fox Sports+3

For SFA to pull off an upset, they will need to:

  • Capitalize on Three-Point Shooting: Utilize their proficiency from beyond the arc to stretch Notre Dame’s defense.​

  • Control the Tempo: Manage the game’s pace to prevent Notre Dame from exploiting their transition offense.​

  • Limit Turnovers: Maintain ball security to reduce Notre Dame’s fast-break opportunities.​

  • Dominate the Boards: Focus on rebounding to limit Notre Dame’s second-chance points.​

Notre Dame, on the other hand, will aim to impose their will by leveraging their depth, experience, and home-court advantage to advance to the next round.​

The Ladyjacks face a formidable challenge against a powerhouse like Notre Dame. However, their resilience and determination have been evident throughout the season. As they take the court on Friday, the Ladyjacks will look to defy the odds and make a statement on the national stage.

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