Notre Dame guard Cassandre Prosper (8) drives to the basket against UConn guard Azzi Fudd during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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UConn women’s basketball is heading back to the Final Four, surviving a spirited effort from Notre Dame and star point guard Hannah Hidalgo to win 70-52 Sunday afternoon.
Freshman Blanca Quiñonez continued her exponential growth this tournament with 20 points, eight rebounds and three assists against the Irish, providing crucial spacing with four 3-pointers as the Irish elected to sag off starting forward Serah Williams. Hidalgo led all scorers with 22 points, but she finished 7-19 from the floor and committed five turnovers.
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Here’s a look back at Sunday’s Elite Eight matchup:
UConn coach Geno Auriemma delivered a short speech to the UConn faithful before being doused in confetti, expressing his admiration for this year’s Huskies team. “I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder to take a team to the Final Four than this team right here,” Auriemma said.
Geno Auriemma flashed a rare smile while wearing a custom UConn-themed cowboy hat, celebrating as UConn moves on from Texas and into the Final Four.
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FORT WORTH, TEXAS – MARCH 27: head coach Geno Auriemma of the Connecticut Huskies stands on the bench against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the second quarter of a Sweet Sixteen round game.
Andy Hancock/NCAA Photos/NCAA Photos via Getty Images
Notre Dame guard Vanessa de Jesus, bottom, and UConn guard Ashlynn Shade compete for the ball during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn forward Sarah Strong, left, and Notre Dame forward Gisela Sanchez, center, compete for a loose ball as UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) looks on during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn guard Azzi Fudd (35) eyes the rim as she drives against Notre Dame guard Iyana Moore during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn guard Azzi Fudd breaks away after collecting a steal against Notre Dame during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn forward Sarah Strong, left, drives against Notre Dame guard Cassandre Prosper during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn guard Kayleigh Heckel (9) drives against Notre Dame guard Iyana Moore during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn guard KK Arnold, right, drives against Notre Dame guard Cassandre Prosper during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn forward Blanca QuiÒonez dribbles up court against Notre Dame during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
UConn guard Azzi Fudd works the floor against the Notre Dame during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/Associated Press
Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving looks on during the second half between the UConn and the Notre Dame in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo, center, drives against UConn guard KK Arnold (2) and guard Azzi Fudd (35) during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
The UConn bench reacts to a basket against the Notre Dame during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
LM Otero/Associated Press
UConn guard Kayleigh Heckel (9) and Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo (3) compete for a loose ball during the second half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
Geno Auriemma emptied the end of his bench, getting Caroline Ducharme and Ayanna Patterson some late action, and ride out an 18-point victory. The Huskies will move onto the Final Four.
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UConn is off the Final Four for the 25th time overall and the 17th time in 18 years.
UConn’s place in the Final Four is all but secure, as the Huskies lead Notre Dame 68-52 with 1:00 left.
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After having her rebound poked free by the relentless Hannah Hildalgo, Sarah Strong dove to ground for the loose ball and wisely called timeout to preserve the possession. UConn’s lead is 15 with 2:39 to play.
After a turbulent shooting afternoon through 30 minutes of play, Sarah Strong is continuing to dominate the fourth quarter with seven points already. Her latest points came on a straight-line drive from the middle of the floor, a demoralizing bucket for the Notre Dame defense as UConn leads 65-48.
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UConn can just about taste it, as a 9-2 Huskies run gave them a 63-44 lead with 5:43 remaining. Quiñonez drilled a pair of 3-pointers during this crucial stretch and is now up to 20 points in Sunday’s game, including a 4-6 mark from 3-point range.
The star UConn forward provided a steal and eventual assist to Azzi Fudd for UConn’s first basket of the period, and followed that up with a pair of free throws to give the Huskies a 51-37 lead.
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Jana El-Alfy has once again made an unexpected, sizable impact on a crucial NCAA Tournament matchup, scoring four points and grabbing four offensive rebounds in the third quarter alone. Sarah Strong has willed her way through some uncharacteristic inefficiency, converting her first 3-pointer of the afternoon before the quarter break.
The UConn bench reacts to a teammate’s three-point basket against the Notre Dame during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
Some individual inspiration was needed as Notre Dame and UConn traded misses, and Hannah Hidalgo provided just that, evading KK Arnold with a hop-step and banking home and off-balance layup attempt through contact. Hidalgo converted the ensuing free-throw, and UConn’s lead has been cut to 40-33.
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Jana El-Alfy is bailing UConn out of an extended shooting drought, as the scarcely-used center has grabbed three offensive rebounds over the last two minutes since entering the game. UConn leads 38-30 at the third-quarter media break, and El-Alfy will shoot free throws thanks to her latest work on the boards.
The Huskies have not scored in nearly four minutes of game action as Notre Dame continues to hang around. UConn leads 38-30 with 15 minutes remaining.
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UConn guard Allie Ziebell (11) drives against Notre Dame forward Malaya Cowles (5) during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
The Notre Dame defense sagged off Serah Williams in the first half, creating some spacing issues for the UConn attack. Auriemma has opted for Jana El-Alfy at the five spot to begin the second half, who possesses a greater shooting range.
The Huskies blazed out of the locker room on a 6-0 run, as a familiar trio of Sarah Strong, KK Arnold and Azzi Fudd provided the scoring. UConn now has its largest lead of the game at 38-26.
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The Dallas Mavericks star has taken a front-row seat behind Notre Dame’s bench for Sunday’s game.
Kayleigh Heckel broke up a nearly three-minute scoring drought to beat the halftime buzzer, giving the Huskies a bit more breathing room heading into the locker room. Blanca Quiñonez leads all scorers with 14 points and five rebounds in a brilliant first half, crucial contributions on an afternoon where Azzi Fudd is shooting just 2-5 from the floor with four turnovers.
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After calling a timeout to break up a Notre Dame scoring run, Geno Auriemma has seen his bench deliver a crucial response. Blanca Quiñonez, who leads all scorers with 14 points, and Allie Ziebell converted consecutive baskets at the rim, and a jumper from Sarah Strong puts UConn ahead 30-20.
The 41-year UConn coach is hoping a 30-second break will cool off Hannah Hidalgo’s hot shooting, as the diminutive point guard has scored all nine of her points over the past three minutes. UConn leads 24-20 with 4:44 remaining in the first half.
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UConn forward Sarah Strong (21) goes up for a basket against Notre Dame guard Vanessa de Jesus (2) during the first half in the Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Tony Gutierrez/Associated Press
Hidalgo has scored Notre Dame’s last nine points, recouping her only missed shot during that stretch on the offensive glass for an ensuing layup. Her latest 3-pointer brings the Fighting Irish within four.
The Notre Dame star started 0-4, but she’s now opened her account in the second quarter with a wild and-one finish. Hidalgo was short on the ensuing free throw, as UConn leads 20-13 with 8:04 remaining until half.
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Blanca Quiñonez scored eight of UConn’s final 10 points to end the quarter, scoring a buzzer-beating layup to give the Huskies a 20-11 lead. Her latest contribution was orchestrated by Azzi Fudd, who picked Hannah Hidalgo’s pocket in the backcourt and set up Quiñonez with the assist.
The star freshman has made a tremendous impact off the bench, up to a game-high eight points after swishing her second 3-pointer in as many minutes. UConn’s lead has ballooned to 18-9 with a minute remaining in the first quarter.
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Geno Auriemma might have some more grievances with the rims in Fort Worth, as a Malaya Cowles layup attempt came to a complete stop on the front iron before rolling back through the net. UConn still leads 10-7.
Strong is during defense into her first offensive contributions of the game, intercepting a Notre Dame pass and racing down the floor to draw a foul on her layup attempt. The sophomore converted both free throws, and UConn leads 10-5 with four minutes remaining in the first quarter.
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UConn’s aggressive defense has already forced a pair of turnovers, and Sarah Strong dove to the floor to secure a held-ball whistle, sending us into the first media timeout. Vanessa de Jesus knocked down the game’s only 3-pointer to give Notre Dame a 5-4 lead moments ago, but Blanca Quiñonez beat the Irish defense down the floor for an immediate response in transition.
Hidalgo continues to show a remarkable knack for rebounding despite her 5-foot-6 frame, grabbing four rebounds in as many minutes for Notre Dame. UConn leads 4-2.
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After scoring on their first possession, Notre Dame has missed consecutive looks, struggling to generate good looks against UConn’s defense. The Huskies have fared little better, as Azzi Fudd has a missed shot and a turnover after two minutes of play.
Notre Dame and UConn are tied at 2.
Irish forward Cassandre Prosper banks home a layup, and Notre Dame leads 2-0.
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UConn controls the opening tip, and the first Elite Eight matchup of the NCAA Tournament is underway.
UConn band members react prior an Elite Eight of the NCAA college basketball tournament game between the UConn and the Notre Dame, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/LM Otero)
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Sunday’s game will tip off at around 1:05 p.m. ET from Dickies Arena and will be broadcast on ABC. Former UConn star Rebecca Lobo will provide color commentary for the Elite Eight action, joined on the broadcast by Ryan Ruocco and Holly Rowe.
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Geno Auriemma will send out his usual starting five in Fort Worth today. G KK Arnold, G Azzi Fudd, G Ashlynn Shade, F Sarah Strong, F Serah Williams. Tip-off is about five minutes away on ABC.
The perfect counterbalance to Hannah Hidalgo will be in Fort Worth Sunday afternoon, but unfortunately for Geno Auriemma, she’ll be sitting a few rows up from the action at Dickies Arena. 5-foot-5 point guard Crystal Dangerfield, who ranks inside the top-10 for assists and 3-pointers made at UConn, is cheering on her alma mater.
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UConn fans should be plenty familiar with Hannah Hidalgo’s staggering statistical output on both ends of the floor, totaling 29 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as a freshman in a 79-68 win over the Huskies two seasons ago. She’s managed to surpass these numbers during an all-time run through the NCAA Tournament so far, posting a 31-point triple-double against Vanderbilt that included 10 steals, scoring or assisting on 75% of Notre Dame’s baskets in a 67-64 win.
“Man, I don’t think I’ve seen a performance like what she had yesterday in a long, long time,” Geno Auriemma said. “She’s just a unique player that comes along once in a lifetime, and she has the ability to disrupt and cause chaos like nobody I’ve ever seen. I think her team obviously feeds off of that.
The first players from UConn’s roster have taken the floor for warmups.
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First Huskies out for warm-ups ahead of today’s Elite Eight: Serah Williams, Ashlynn Shade and Allie Ziebell
— Maggie Vanoni (@maggie_vanoni) March 29, 2026
The first ticket to the Final Four will be punched Sunday afternoon as UConn takes on Notre Dame. Here’s a look at the complete Elite Eight schedule (all times in ET).
March 29
No. 1 UConn vs. No. 6 Notre Dame | 1 p.m. (ABC)
No. 1 UCLA vs. No. 3 Duke | 3 p.m. (ABC)
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March 30
No. 1 Texas vs. No. 2 Michigan | 7 p.m. (ESPN)
No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 3 TCU | 9 p.m. (ESPN)
On Friday evening, reports confirmed that the Connecticut Sun WNBA franchise had been sold to the Fertitta family for a record-breaking $300 million. The team will spend one more year at Mohegan Sun Arena before relocating to Houston ahead of the 2027 season, leaving Connecticut without a WNBA franchise for the first time since 2003.
“I think the people at Mohegan Sun, I think they stepped up when they were needed and brought a team to Connecticut as Connecticut deserves to have a team, because we’re a proven basketball, women’s basketball (fanbase), you know, where people will support women’s basketball,” said Geno Auriemma. “So them now moving, yeah, I think it leaves, a void.”
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Maggie Vanoni: “Notre Dame is playing its best basketball of the year in the postseason. Despite its ACC Tournament semifinals lost to Duke, the Irish are averaging 73.6 points, 34.6 rebounds, 11 assists and 11.6 steals per game across the ACC Tournament and first three games of the NCAA Tournament. A large part of that is because of Hidalgo.
The defensive superstar always levels up in March when her team needs her most. Not only is she a steal machine, but a do-it-all-non-stop energy player. In Friday’s Sweet 16 against Vanderbilt, she stunned with a 31-point, 11-rebound and 10-steal triple-double and was just three assists away from finishing with a quadruple-double.”
Read more about the UConn-Notre Dame matchup!
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UConn and Notre Dame’s meeting January was a one-sided rout, as the entire Huskies starting five finished in double figures as Geno Auriemma’s squad cruised to an 85-47 win at Gampel Pavilion. This loss came during a dismal 3-6 stretch for Notre Dame, a significant factor in the Irish falling to a No. 6 seed, but Niele Ivey’s bunch has looked much improved since the return of KK Bransford Feb. 1.
Since that date, Notre Dame has posted a 12-2 overall record and ranks 12th nationally in adjusted efficiency, per Bart Torvik. The Irish have shot better than 34% from 3-point range and around 50% inside the arc while maintaining a borderline top-10 defense, and the speedy Hidalgo has found an even higher gear under the bright lights of March.
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Despite Notre Dame’s improving form, the Huskies are still overwhelming favorites to win Sunday’s game, opening at 29.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings sportsbook. According to the Kalshi prediction market, UConn has a 97% chance to win Sunday’s game.