“They are special”: Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey credits Hannah Hidalgo and Co. for unexpected 74-61 win vs. JuJu Watkins’ USC

Niele Ivey's No. 3 Notre Dame won 74-61 Sunday against the No. 6 USC Trojans. The game was one of the most anticipated of the early season as it pit two star point guards, Hannah Hidalgo and JuJu Watkins, against each other.

After the win, Ivey praised the Fighting Irish for their incredible performance.

"I would just first off, like to say I am so proud of my team. I'm so proud of them. This was obviously a huge matchup. I thought it was great for women's basketball in general. So just a moment that we're really appreciative to be a part of. But this group, they're special."

"And so for us to come out here and have a complete game and really follow the game plan and play together and just growing is just for a coach - so proud of them and so lucky to coach them. It's amazing for me to see the growth of this group and this team.

The game drew an immense crowd, including celebrities like Snoop Dogg and Michael B Jordan cheering for the Trojans. Anticipating fanfare for Watkins and USC, Ivey had mentally prepared Notre Dame to take home the victory.

"I came into the game knowing that this going to be a big hoopla game,” Hidalgo said. "Coach Ivey preached it this whole week that they were going to bring in all the celebrities, all the fans that they needed. So, I saw them, but I’m not so focused on that. I’m focused on winning with my team.”

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Ivey praises Hannah Hidalgo for leading the team

Hidalgo played 39 minutes against the Trojans and finished with 24 points, six rebounds, eight assists and five steals. She led the first half with 16 points, giving Notre Dame a comfortable lead.

Hidalgo constantly kept the Trojans on their toes, and Ivey praised the guard.

"Big time player, big time stage,” Ivey said. "(I am) not at all shocked by what she did today. From the beginning, I told my team she guarded everybody on the court one time. (She is) just so feisty, so energetic. It’s contagious for our group. So unselfish.”

With this big victory in the bag, the Fighting Irish will next take on Hailey Van Lith's No. 17 TCU Horned Frogs Friday.