Notre Dame<\/a>\u2019s freshman star Hannah Hidalgo\u2019s shot attempts. There were stretches in the first half when the Tar Heels prevented Hidalgo from making a field goal for almost five minutes. <\/p>\nIndya Nivar was huge off the bench for UNC, leading the team in scoring with 16 points. For a few possessions, Nivar took advantage of Hidalgo\u2019s aggressive defensive approach to back cut her for layups, opening up easy creation opportunities for her teammates. At the half, the Tar Heels led Notre Dame 31-28.<\/p>\n
In the third quarter, the Irish broke out their infamous zone defense and it created confusion for the Tar Heel offense. Hidalgo got a few layups in transition after the team forced turnovers. However, one thing remained constant for the Tar Heels: Nivar continued to punish the Irish defense with timely angle and face cuts that prevented Notre Dame from securing the momentum. With just under two minutes remaining in the third, Notre Dame took a 46-39 lead but the UNC closed the quarter on a 6-0 run due to great defense and a timely-buzzer beater by Lexi Donarski.<\/p>\n
To start the fourth, North Carolina broke out a halfcourt trap that forced turnovers and slowed the Irish offense down immensely. Nivar absolutely took over, scoring the first seven points of the quarter. With the Tar Heels leading by one with just under two minutes remaining, Nivar capped off a remarkable night with a difficult left-hand scoop layup to put the Tar Heels ahead by three. After a stop on defense, North Carolina made their free throws and walked out of the Joyce Center in South Bend with a 61-58 win.<\/p>\n
Nivar finished with 16 points and 5 steals and the Tar Heels\u2014who vaulted back into the top 25 at No. 20\u2014improved to 3-0 in ACC play.<\/p>\n
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