Notre Dame Women’s Basketball: Recapping the last couple of weeks

Maybe I Should Update More Often

Yes, I definitely should. For one, we need to update you all more on this great team (that’s definitely my bad). For two, there have been some bad things (read: losses) that have happened since my last update on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish women’s basketball team.

The last time I updated you all, the Irish took down a Tennessee team that has been having an unchracteristic season in which they have seen struggles. Things were looking pretty good for the Irish especially after that win and previously beating Louisville at home. However, these past couple of weeks have been a bit of a rollercoaster for the Irish.

Recap of the Past Couple Weeks

Right after the Irish took care of business in Knoxville, the Irish continued their road trip against UNC. The game was in Chapel Hill, and it should’ve been a pretty easy contest for the Number 1 Irish against a team with a measly 3-3 record in the ACC up until that point. Unfortunately, the Irish played with a bit less conviction than we have seen. A big part of the issue was that Jackie Young rolled her ankle in practice the day prior to the game, so she did not play. Arike Ogunbowale also struggled, with only 13 points, which is way below her normal point total for a game.

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Irish tried to make it a game after being down 10 points in the fourth quarter by getting 12 straight points to take the lead. However, they were a little weaker on defense with the Tar Heels getting inside shots to fall to take the win and down the Number 1 Irish. It truly was a weird loss to a team that seemed on fire.

After that game, though, the now-Number 5 Irish took on Clemson again on the road. This one was a game never in doubt, and the Irish looked like their old selves with a 101-63 road victory. They followed that up with another dominating win at home, beating Georgia Tech 90-50.

Last Week

The Irish (ranked #4 now after a couple of wins) travelled to Coral Gables to take on the Miami Hurricanes last Thursday night in a ranked matchup. Unfortunately, more shooting woes befell the Irish as Turner only had 5 points with Arike only getting 13 again. It seems like the men’s team left some of their skill in the gym the previous night (reverse Space Jam), and the women’s team picked it up the next night. Both teams got beat in the same place within 24 hours. Miami was number 20, so the loss was a bit better than the loss to UNC. However, Miami wasn’t shooting well either. The offense just stalled.

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Fortunately, the Irish played a game at home again yesterday. They played Florida State, another ranked team (#21) for the annual Pink Zone game. This game saw the Irish play MUCH better. Shepard had 26 points, while Arike had 27 points. They dominated FSU in a 97-70 win at home (BIG MACS).

Always as good as the home win was the annual Pink Zone game where breast cancer survivors are honored throughout the game. It’s always a great time to see the team connect with the community in a way to show how strong breast cancer survivors have been.

Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Up Next

The Irish fell to #6 in the nation after the loss last week to Miami. They now are #3 in the ACC with the same conference record as Miami but obviously they don’t have the head-to-head win against them. Louisville are in that number 1 spot in the conference with only 1 conference loss (to the Irish).

The Irish travel to Chestnut Hill to take on Boston College this Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 7 PM. That game is on ACC Network Extra and WatchESPN. After that, next Monday, Feb. 18, the Irish travel to Raleigh, NC to take on NC State. The Wolfpack are currently #12 in the nation and 8-2 in ACC play behind the Irish’s 9-2 ACC record, so that will be a big game for both teams. That one will tip at 7 PM on ESPN2.