Vanderbilt basketball falls to Notre Dame in Sweet 16 after Hannah Hidalgo's triple double

FORT WORTH, TX ― Vanderbilt basketball fell just short of the Elite 8 with a 67-64 loss to Notre Dame in its Sweet 16 matchup March 27 at Dickies Arena. The Commodores were down as many as 12 points in the first half and committed their season-high in turnovers but kept the game close through a strong defensive and rebounding performance, and the Commodores made a run in the fourth quarter, taking their first lead since the first quarter with less than three minutes to go in the game. Though Vanderbilt didn't shoot well, Mikayla Blakes and Aubrey Galvan found ways to score with 26 and 24 points, respectively.

The Commodores managed to get to the free-throw line often and shot 21-for-25 from the line. With the two teams tied late, Notre Dame got a key offensive rebound and Cassandre Prosper was wide open under the basket for a layup that took the lead with 22. 9 seconds to go.

Blakes turned the ball over on the ensuing possession, forcing Vanderbilt to foul. Prosper made 1-for-2 at the line, giving the Irish a three-point lead. Galvan and Blakes each got a look from three at the end of the game, but both shots missed.

Hannah Hidalgo put up a triple-double, with 31 points, 11 rebounds and 10 steals while also having seven assists. Hannah Hidalgo makes defensive impact Hannah Hidalgo collected seven steals in the first half and 10 overall as she made a significant impact defensively. Vanderbilt shot just 23% in the first half, committing 16 turnovers in the half and 23 overall.