Notre Dame’s senior guard Olivia Miles stole the show in her first game with the program since the 2022-23 NCAA Season.
The Fighting Irish made lightwork of Mercyhurst on Tuesday, dominating the team who just transferred to Division 1 this year 105-61.
Dubbed the team’s “secret weapon,” Miles recorded the first triple-double of the women’s College Basketball season as she poured in 20 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds on 8-for-12 shooting in 32 minutes. She became the first player in ACC history to record a triple-double in three separate seasons.
The talented senior missed all of last season after undergoing knee surgery. After Tuesday’s game, she drew the praise of her coach Niele Ivey.
- Louisville women’s basketball team features daughters of two NBA legends
- Hailey van Lith proves point on TCU debut after Kim Mulkey’s LSU admission
“Her first game back, officially having a triple-double. Second most in ACC history. Phenomenal game,” Ivey said. “20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists. [She] just made some spectacular passes. So, it was really amazing to watch.”
“[The assists] just show her unselfishness. She’s a pass-first point guard, she has incredible vision, and she just wants to share the ball and get her teammates going.”
Miles has plenty of talent to share the ball with, namely, star sophomore Hannah Hidalgo. The preseason All-American scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the victory.
Coach Niele Ivey (R) consults her star Hannah Hidalgo (
Image:
Getty Images)
Hidalgo helped lead Notre Dame to the Sweet 16 last year as she averaged 22.6 points in her freshman year. Now, she figures to be part of arguably the finest backcourt in the nation.
“I love watching them,” Ivey said of two stars. “What you guys are seeing is what I’ve watched this summer and this preseason. It’s just magical.”
“It’s fun to watch because they’re both dynamic and they’ve done a great job of building chemistry together. It’s just been a lot of fun. So, I think you’re going to see a lot of spectacular moments because of both of them.”
Kim Mulkey celebrates huge recruitment win as five-star prospect explains LSU decision
Angel Reese ‘disappointed in America’ as WNBA star slams Donald Trump victory
Other players made key contributions for the Fighting Irish in the victory. Freshman Kate Koval scored 18 points in her NCAA debut while senior transfer Liatu King scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
“I knew what I was getting with Liatu,” Ivey said on King. “She’s one of the best. She’s just been phenomenal. She’s been a sponge. She’s stepped in with her leadership and the things that she brings skillset-wise is something different. I’m just super grateful that she’s a part of our family.”
Ivey’s Notre Dame squad – ranked sixth in the opening AP Poll – will face a tougher test on Sunday when they take on state-rivals Purdue.
Leave a Reply