Geno Auriemma's UConn Huskies go up against the Fighting Irish next, and the HC already knows who the biggest threat is in the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament: Hannah Hidalgo

The Huskies will take on the Irish after Hidalgo's triple-double of 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 steals paved the way for Notre Dame to upset second-seed Vanderbilt 67-64 in the Sweet Sixteen.

"That performance by Hannah was just one for the ages. To watch her play and see how she impacts everything that happens on the court, every moment of the game. It's a treat watching her play, until you have to play against her." Auriemma said.

Hidalgo has been relentless this season, averaging 25.2 points with 48.1% shooting accuracy per game along with 6.4 boards and 5.3 assists.

She also set the record for total steals in one tournament, breaking the previous record of 23 held by Ticha Penicheiro at Old Dominion in 1988 and Emily Engstler at Louisville in 2022. Hidalgo also swept the ACC Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards this season.

Moreover, this is not the first time Auriemma has sung Hidalgo's praises this season, as he had already admitted the 21-year-old as the key player to look out for in Notre Dame back in January.

Now the question remains, who does the 72-year-old rely on to neutralize the threat of Notre Dame's star guard?

Geno Auriemma Chooses Sara Strong as a Future Team Leader

Sophomore Sara Strong's rise has been a key to UConn's success, earning her honors like the USBWA National Player of the Year, Big East Defensive Player of the Year, and Big East Player of the Year.

Strong once again proved her worth against the Tar Heels, scoring 21 points with 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, and 2 blocks.

And after the game, Auriemma backed Strong to be the player to lead the team, especially now that the face of the franchise, Azzi Fudd, is leaving soon.

“I do think, though, that when the time comes, when it’s absolutely needed, I think she’ll be the one– she’ll step up,” Auriemma said as per UConn basketball reporter Jake McCreven.

After strong performances in March Madness, the team may rely on Strong to counter Hannah Hidalgo's dominance.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Siddharth Shirwadkar