Looking Back at Notre Dame’s NCAA Tournament Win Over Wichita State
In the world of March Madness, every game can become an instant classic, every play a potential turning point in the narrative of a season. Some moments, however, stand out from the crowd, encapsulating the highs and lows, the drama and excitement that make the NCAA Tournament so special. One such game in Notre Dame women’s basketball history was their thrilling victory over Wichita State in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. This win, which saw the Fighting Irish overcome adversity and display resilience, would go down as one of the defining moments of their postseason journey.
As the No. 3 seed, Notre Dame entered the 2025 NCAA Tournament with high expectations. With a roster that included Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and Dara Mabrey, the Fighting Irish were among the favorites to make a deep run. However, their tournament opener against Wichita State, the No. 14 seed, presented challenges that tested their grit, preparation, and championship mentality. The Shocker’s fast-paced play and sharp shooting provided an unexpected challenge for the Irish, and the game unfolded in ways few could have predicted.
Pre-game Expectations and Matchup Preview
Going into the matchup, Notre Dame was widely regarded as the stronger team, with a much higher ranking and a reputation for being one of the elite programs in women’s basketball. Wichita State, on the other hand, was considered an underdog with much to prove. The Shockers had made a remarkable run to the NCAA Tournament, earning their place with a series of strong performances in the American Athletic Conference. Their record may not have been as impressive as Notre Dame’s, but the team had displayed grit and determination in their victories, and they entered the tournament with momentum.
In terms of playing style, Wichita State was known for its up-tempo offense and ability to stretch defenses with strong outside shooting. The Shockers were capable of catching teams off guard with their transition game and ability to create opportunities in the open floor. The Fighting Irish, by contrast, played a more balanced style, relying on the playmaking ability of Olivia Miles, the inside presence of Maddy Westbeld, and the shooting prowess of Dara Mabrey to establish their rhythm.
On paper, Notre Dame had the advantage in most categories, but the NCAA Tournament is known for surprises, and Wichita State was not about to go down without a fight.
The Game Unfolds: First Half Drama
The game started in typical March Madness fashion, with both teams trying to establish their rhythm early on. Notre Dame quickly jumped out to a small lead, thanks to Olivia Miles’ ability to create open looks and set the tone for her teammates. The Irish used their defense to force turnovers and transition into easy fast-break points, taking an early advantage.
However, as the first half progressed, it became clear that Wichita State was not intimidated by the big stage. Aaliyah Williams, the Shocker’s standout guard, used her speed and ability to drive the ball to the basket to create mismatches for Notre Dame’s defense. Wichita State also relied heavily on three-point shooting, and they quickly found their rhythm from deep. Williams hit a couple of key three-pointers, and the Shockers started to chip away at the Irish’s lead, using their quick offense to frustrate Notre Dame’s defense.
Despite the pressure from Wichita State, Notre Dame’s players were determined not to let the game slip away. Maddy Westbeld stepped up in the second quarter, scoring key baskets in the paint and asserting her presence as the Irish’s focal point on offense. With her strong post play and leadership, Westbeld kept the Fighting Irish in the game, while Dara Mabrey contributed with a couple of clutch shots from beyond the arc to keep the offense moving.
The first half ended with Notre Dame holding a narrow lead, but Wichita State had shown they could go toe-to-toe with the higher-seeded Irish. The Shockers weren’t just hanging in there—they were pushing the envelope, testing Notre Dame’s defense and executing their game plan to perfection.
The Turning Point: Second Half Adjustments
As the second half began, Notre Dame head coach Niele Ivey made some key adjustments to tighten the defense and slow down Wichita State’s fast-paced attack. The Irish knew that if they let the Shockers dictate the tempo, it could lead to disaster. Olivia Miles, who had been facilitating for her teammates throughout the game, took on more of a scoring role in the second half, attacking the basket with purpose and drawing fouls.
One of the game’s most pivotal moments came when Notre Dame began to pick up the defensive intensity. The Irish started contesting every shot more aggressively, limiting the Shockers’ opportunities from the outside. Sonia Citron and Katlyn Gilbert, known for their defensive prowess, made critical stops, which allowed Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld to push the ball in transition and score easy baskets.
As the game wore on, the momentum began to shift in favor of the Irish. Maddy Westbeld and Olivia Miles continued to dominate, both on offense and defense. Westbeld, who had been a steady presence throughout the contest, provided a few key offensive rebounds and putbacks, while Miles orchestrated the offense with poise and confidence.
Wichita State, while still battling, began to show signs of fatigue. The Irish’s depth and experience began to take its toll on the Shockers, as the Fighting Irish’s defensive pressure forced more turnovers and disrupted Wichita State’s offensive flow.
With the game winding down and the clock ticking, Notre Dame had built a lead that they would not relinquish. In the final minutes, Dara Mabrey hit some crucial free throws to put the game out of reach, and the Irish sealed the victory, ultimately winning by a margin that didn’t reflect the back-and-forth nature of the contest.
Key Players: Miles, Westbeld, and Mabrey
In looking back at Notre Dame’s victory, three players emerged as the pivotal figures in the win: Olivia Miles, Maddy Westbeld, and Dara Mabrey.
Olivia Miles was, without a doubt, the game’s MVP. Her scoring ability in the second half, coupled with her playmaking skills, turned the tide in Notre Dame’s favor. Miles finished the game with a double-double, recording over 15 points and 10 assists, along with a few crucial steals on the defensive end. Her leadership and composure under pressure were key to the Irish maintaining control in a game that could have easily slipped away.
Maddy Westbeld, the senior forward, played a crucial role in both the offensive and defensive game plans. Her scoring in the paint was critical in the first half when Notre Dame was struggling to create offense, and her rebounding and defense in the second half helped the Irish build momentum. Westbeld ended the game with 18 points and 9 rebounds, showing why she is considered one of the best forwards in women’s basketball.
Finally, Dara Mabrey provided a much-needed boost with her sharp shooting, hitting several three-pointers when Notre Dame needed them the most. Mabrey finished the game with 14 points, including some clutch free throws down the stretch to seal the win. Her experience and shooting ability allowed Notre Dame to execute in critical moments, making her an integral part of the Irish’s success.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
While the victory over Wichita State was a much-needed win for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, it was also a lesson in the unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament. The Shockers’ fast-paced style and aggressive offense reminded the Irish that they could not afford to take any team lightly, regardless of their seeding.
The game showed the importance of making in-game adjustments. Head coach Niele Ivey and her staff did a brilliant job of recognizing the need to shift their defensive strategy and to put the ball in the hands of their stars, Olivia Miles and Maddy Westbeld, when it mattered most. The Irish were tested, but they passed with flying colors, proving they have the mental toughness and adaptability needed to make a deep run in the tournament.
As Notre Dame looks ahead to the rest of the NCAA Tournament, they can take pride in the way they responded to adversity in their win over Wichita State. The tournament will only get tougher from here, but with their talent, experience, and leadership, the Fighting Irish are well-positioned to make a deep run toward another national championship.
In retrospect, the win over Wichita State was not just a victory; it was a testament to the resilience of the Fighting Irish and a preview of what is to come in the NCAA Tournament. For Notre Dame women’s basketball, March Madness is about more than just surviving—it’s about thriving in the face of pressure, and this win showed that the Irish are ready for whatever lies ahead.