GREENSBORO, NC. — The sixth-ranked Notre Dame Fighting Irish used their defense to take down the California Golden Bears, winning 73-64 to advance to the semifinals of the ACC Tournament. In a game where both teams fought to the end, the Irish's gameplan in the fourth sealed the deal. They will play the winner of The Duke Blue Devils and Louisville Cardinals in the semi-finals on Saturday, March 8th, at 2:30 PM EST.

Notre Dame started the game on top, leading 16-10 after the first quarter. Although they were leading in the quarter, they shot 38.9% on 17 attempts from the field and didn’t make a three-pointer. The Bears shot better than the Irish, shooting 44.4%, but they couldn’t take care of the ball. Notre Dame caused 10 turnovers in the first quarter, in which they scored seven points. They also took advantage of their size, leading 12-4 in points in the paint after the beginning period. Cal was led by their Australian guard, Lulu Twidale (LOO-LOO TWI-Dale), who had six of her 16 points to start the contest. In a contest where they had a tough matchup in front of them, the Bears kept it close going into the break.  

Before the teams left for the locker room, the Bears trimmed the deficit to 31-28. Kayla Williams showed out in the period, scoring 11 of her 14 points. Although Marta Suarez finished the half with six points, she also had six rebounds to add to that. In the second quarter, ACC Player Of The Year Hannah Hidalgo (HID-ALL-Go) had 12 points, showing she was ready to take over for the Irish. She was also aided by Liatu King, who finished the half with eight points. As the first half concluded, both teams felt like they had the upper hand coming out of the locker room.

 At the end of the third quarter, Notre Dame maintained a five point lead, 55-50. Their other superstar guard and future WNBA draft pick, Olivia Miles scored 10 points in the quarter, and she finished with 14 overall. She also had three steals in the contest, showing her elite skill on both ends of the floor. Cal scored 22 points in the third quarter to keep the game close, however they fell behind in the fourth due to the Irish defense. 

Although the game was competitive through three quarters, Notre Dame won with their defense. The Bears were stagnant on offense in the quarter, only scoring 14 points. While the likes of Miles and Hidalgo helped the Irish contain Cal, King pitched in with her three steals as well. The Bears were able to remain close with a top team in the country, however, their lack of offense when it counted was their undoing. As the Irish move on to the semifinals in the ACC Tournament, they also have goals that are bigger in the heart of March Madness.