Notre Dame welcomes “extremely hostile” training for their rematch with TCU in the Sweet 16: “It’s all or nothing now.”

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Notre Dame welcomes “extremely hostile” training for their rematch with TCU in the Sweet 16: “It’s all or nothing now.”

​As the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team prepares for their Sweet 16 rematch against the TCU Horned Frogs, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Scheduled for Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 1:00 PM EST at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, this game offers Notre Dame a chance to avenge an early-season loss and advance to the Elite Eight for the first time since 2019.

Reflecting on the Season’s Earlier Encounter

The previous matchup between these teams occurred on November 29, 2024, during the Cayman Islands Classic. Notre Dame dominated for much of the game, leading for over 33 minutes and holding a 14-point advantage. However, a fourth-quarter surge by TCU resulted in a 76-68 defeat for the Irish. This loss served as a pivotal moment, highlighting areas needing improvement and fueling Notre Dame’s determination for the remainder of the season. ​

Notre Dame’s Journey to the Sweet 16

Following the setback against TCU, Notre Dame embarked on an impressive run, securing 19 consecutive victories. Their resilience was evident in the NCAA Tournament’s opening rounds, where they dominated their opponents, leading for a combined 74 minutes and 26 seconds out of 80 total minutes, and at one point holding a 55-point lead over Stephen F. Austin. These performances underscore the team’s growth and readiness for the challenges ahead.

TCU’s Historic Season and Strengths

TCU enters the Sweet 16 with a program-best 33-3 record, marking their first appearance at this stage in school history. Their rapid ascent is largely attributed to strategic acquisitions via the transfer portal, bringing in experienced players like Hailey Van Lith, who leads the team with averages of 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game. The Horned Frogs’ balanced attack and depth present a formidable challenge for any opponent.

Key Players to Watch

  • Notre Dame: The Irish boast a talented backcourt featuring Hannah Hidalgo, Liatu King, Olivia Miles, and Sonia Citron. Their ability to control the game’s tempo and contribute offensively will be crucial. Additionally, freshman forward Kate Koval aims to make a significant impact after a challenging outing in the previous TCU matchup.

  • TCU: Beyond Van Lith, players like Madison Conner and Sedona Prince provide scoring and defensive prowess. Their collective experience and versatility have been instrumental in TCU’s success this season.

Strategic Considerations

For Notre Dame, addressing the factors that led to their earlier loss against TCU is paramount. Emphasizing defensive consistency, particularly in the closing stages, and maintaining offensive efficiency will be key. Controlling the pace and minimizing turnovers can help neutralize TCU’s dynamic playmakers.​

Anticipation and Expectations

Both teams enter this matchup with high expectations. Notre Dame seeks to overcome the Sweet 16 hurdle that has halted their progress in recent years, while TCU aims to continue their historic run. Analysts predict a closely contested game, with some projections favoring Notre Dame by a narrow margin.

The Sweet 16 clash between Notre Dame and TCU is more than just a rematch; it’s an opportunity for redemption, validation, and progression. As both teams embrace the intensity of March Madness, fans can anticipate a game filled with passion, strategy, and the relentless pursuit of victory. For Notre Dame, it’s a chance to demonstrate growth and resilience; for TCU, an opportunity to solidify their place among the elite. As the players take the court, the mantra is clear: “Now it’s all or nothing.”

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