The Rise and Fall of Notre Dame’s Backcourt Duo
Not too long ago, Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo formed one of the most dynamic and exciting backcourt partnerships in women’s college basketball.
Celebrated Talents
The Notre Dame guards shared a cover story in SLAM Magazine back in January, reminiscing about their initial impressions of each other, their complementary playing styles, and their shared ambition to secure a national championship for the Fighting Irish. Hailing from New Jersey, their partnership propelled Notre Dame to a remarkable 19-game winning streak and a top ranking in the AP Top 25 Poll as of February 17, making them strong contenders for the Final Four as the season approached its conclusion.
The Downfall Begins
However, things took a downturn when the team suffered a devastating double-overtime loss at N.C. State during ESPN’s College GameDay. Following that game, Notre Dame lost three out of their next five, including a semifinal defeat in the ACC Tournament. After two of those losses, the team convened for an hour, and it was evident that something was off with a group that, on paper, seemed to have unmatched talent.
Postseason Hopes and Changes
Despite the struggles, Notre Dame managed to win its first two NCAA Tournament games before falling to TCU in the Sweet 16. The Irish had the lead going into the final quarter but were outscored 20-10 in the last stretch. The team’s stars, including Miles, Hidalgo, and Sonia Citron, struggled mightily in the critical moments.
Transfer News and Speculation
Just two days after their tournament exit, Miles announced her entry into the transfer portal before committing to TCU eight days later. As rumors circulated about the state of her relationship with Hidalgo, both attempted to dispel the speculation.
A Public Encounter
This backdrop heightens the interest in a 40-second video clip that surfaced over the weekend showing a seemingly tense encounter between Miles and Hidalgo. The incident took place during a Notre Dame-hosted WNBA preseason game featuring the Dallas Wings and the Las Vegas Aces, which was meant to celebrate Irish women’s basketball.
Conjectures and Uncertainties
While the video doesn’t clarify much, it does reveal a brief exchange between the two. Hidalgo and Miles seem to engage in an animated conversation that attracted attention, culminating in a police officer intervening. These signs suggest that their relationship may not be as amicable as claimed. Until either player addresses these issues directly, fans are left to speculate about the unraveling of their once-promising season and its implications for their futures.
