March Madness 2025: No. 3 Notre Dame Cruises into Fourth Straight Sweet 16 with Win Over No. 6 Michigan
The 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament has already seen its fair share of thrills and upsets, but on this particular afternoon, it was the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish who made a definitive statement. With a commanding 83-60 victory over the No. 6 Michigan Wolverines in the third round of the tournament, Notre Dame secured its fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance, further solidifying its place as one of the premier programs in college basketball.
In front of a raucous crowd at a neutral-site venue in Indianapolis, the Fighting Irish displayed a level of dominance that left little doubt about their status as one of the top teams in the nation. From the opening tip, Notre Dame imposed its will on Michigan, using a combination of sharp shooting, suffocating defense, and relentless fast-break opportunities. This victory not only highlighted the team’s depth and versatility but also their ability to thrive on the big stage, setting up what promises to be an exciting continuation of their tournament run.
Setting the Stage: High Stakes in March Madness
Coming into the game, both teams were riding high after impressive performances in the first two rounds of the tournament. Notre Dame, a No. 3 seed, had been dominant in their opening games, cruising through the competition with a mix of offensive firepower and lockdown defense. The Irish were led by senior guard Maddy Westbeld, who had been on a tear during the tournament, and sophomore forward Sonia Citron, whose scoring ability had proven to be a difference-maker in previous rounds.
Michigan, seeded No. 6, was no slouch. The Wolverines had navigated their own path to the third round with impressive victories over formidable opponents, and their lineup was filled with talented players, including standout guard Leigha Brown and forward Naz Hillmon, both of whom had been pivotal to their team’s success throughout the season. Michigan entered the matchup with confidence, hoping to pull off what would be a monumental upset.
However, as is often the case in March Madness, the stakes were high, and the pressure of the tournament can cause even the most seasoned teams to unravel. Despite the Wolverines’ talent and resilience, Notre Dame came out with a blistering pace, putting Michigan on the back foot early and not letting up until the final whistle.
First Half: Notre Dame’s Fast Start Sets the Tone
From the outset, it was clear that Notre Dame was going to dictate the tempo of the game. The Irish came out of the gates with intensity, forcing turnovers and pushing the ball up the court in transition. On the defensive end, Notre Dame was relentless, applying full-court pressure that left Michigan scrambling to find any rhythm on offense. The Irish’s ability to get out in transition and convert easy baskets on the break was key to their early success, and it quickly became apparent that Michigan would have to adjust quickly if they hoped to compete.
Maddy Westbeld, the senior leader, was especially impressive in the first half. She scored 12 of her 18 points in the opening 20 minutes, showcasing her ability to both shoot from the outside and drive to the basket. Westbeld’s experience and versatility were on full display, as she effectively spaced the floor for her teammates and created mismatches on both ends of the floor. Her leadership was evident, as she consistently made the right decisions, whether it was knocking down a timely three-pointer or finding an open teammate for an easy score.
Sonia Citron also had a stellar first half, finishing with 10 points, including a series of well-executed mid-range jumpers and fast-break layups. Citron’s scoring ability, particularly in transition, was a major factor in Notre Dame’s ability to build an early lead. Her ability to make plays in the open court, combined with her exceptional vision, allowed her to create easy opportunities for her teammates and further frustrated Michigan’s defense.
Notre Dame’s defense was equally impressive, as the Irish held Michigan to just 32% shooting in the first half. The Wolverines’ leading scorer, Leigha Brown, found herself constantly being harassed by Notre Dame’s defenders, with multiple players rotating to her on every possession. Notre Dame’s defensive schemes, designed to limit Brown’s ability to create for herself and her teammates, proved effective, as Michigan struggled to find any offensive flow.
At halftime, Notre Dame had built a commanding 46-26 lead, and the Irish appeared poised to run away with the game. Michigan, meanwhile, was left searching for answers, unable to cope with Notre Dame’s relentless pressure on both ends of the floor.
Second Half: Notre Dame Maintains Control and Finishes Strong
The second half began with Michigan making some adjustments in an attempt to cut into Notre Dame’s substantial lead. The Wolverines came out with more intensity, trying to push the tempo and force turnovers, but Notre Dame’s poise and discipline were unmatched. While Michigan managed to trim the lead to 15 points at one stage, Notre Dame’s quick response and ability to execute on offense ensured that Michigan never truly threatened a comeback.
Maddy Westbeld continued to lead by example, scoring another 6 points in the third quarter and setting up her teammates with key assists. Her leadership and ability to play within the team structure kept Notre Dame’s offense flowing smoothly. Citron was again a major contributor, finishing the game with 22 points, a mix of perimeter shooting and aggressive drives to the basket that kept Michigan’s defense off-balance. Her performance was a clear indication of her maturation as a player, as she has blossomed into one of the premier talents in college basketball.
While the Michigan defense began to focus on slowing down Westbeld and Citron, Notre Dame’s depth became a major advantage. Olivia Miles, the freshman point guard, had a standout performance off the bench, contributing 8 points and dishing out 5 assists. Her ability to facilitate the offense and keep the ball moving was key in Notre Dame’s balanced attack. In addition, junior forward Maya Dodson provided a much-needed defensive presence, grabbing 9 rebounds and blocking 3 shots, limiting Michigan’s ability to score in the paint.
As the game entered the final quarter, Michigan’s attempts to mount a comeback were continually thwarted by Notre Dame’s defense. Every time the Wolverines seemed to gain momentum, the Irish responded with timely shots, defensive stops, or fast-break opportunities that kept the game out of reach. By the time the final buzzer sounded, Notre Dame had emerged victorious with an 83-60 win, securing their fourth straight Sweet 16 appearance.
Key Takeaways: A Complete Team Effort
Notre Dame’s victory over Michigan in the third round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament was a masterclass in team basketball. The Irish demonstrated a rare combination of individual brilliance and collective execution that left Michigan with no answers. While players like Maddy Westbeld and Sonia Citron stole much of the spotlight with their scoring, it was the collective team effort that truly defined the victory.
The Irish’s defense, which has been a hallmark of their program under head coach Niele Ivey, was particularly impressive in this matchup. Notre Dame’s ability to disrupt Michigan’s offensive flow and force turnovers allowed them to capitalize on fast-break opportunities, leading to easy baskets that put the Wolverines on their heels.
In addition, the depth of Notre Dame’s roster proved to be a significant advantage. With contributions from not just Westbeld and Citron, but also players like Maya Dodson and Olivia Miles, the Fighting Irish were able to keep the pressure on Michigan without skipping a beat. This depth will be crucial as the tournament progresses and the competition intensifies.
Looking Ahead: The Sweet 16 and Beyond
With their fourth consecutive Sweet 16 appearance now secure, Notre Dame has its sights set firmly on advancing even further in the tournament. The Fighting Irish have shown that they are more than capable of competing with the best teams in the country, and their combination of offensive firepower, defensive prowess, and depth makes them a formidable force.
As they prepare for the next round, Notre Dame will undoubtedly face even tougher competition, but if their performance against Michigan is any indication, the Irish are ready for the challenge. With the leadership of players like Maddy Westbeld and Sonia Citron, along with the coaching expertise of Niele Ivey, the Fighting Irish are primed for another deep run in the tournament.
The road to the Final Four will not be easy, but Notre Dame has shown time and again that they are a team built for the brightest moments. As March Madness continues to unfold, the Fighting Irish will be a team to watch closely—ready to make their mark on the tournament and etch their name into the history books once more.