Sonia Citron was 13 of 20 from the field while Hannah Hidalgo added six steals for the Irish , who now play Monday in the second round.SOUTH BEND, Ind. — Sonia Citron scored 29 points and Hannah Hidalgo added a double-double with 14 points and 11 assists to helpCitron was 13 of 20 from the field while Hidalgo added six steals for the Irish , who play Monday in the second round.A relentless defensive effort in the first quarter set a dominating tone for Notre Dame.
Notre Dame built the advantage to 49-30 at the half. The Fighting Irish hit six of their first nine shots from 3-point range and also had the transition game in high gear, racing to a 13-0 advantage in fastbreak points. Kent State wouldn’t let Notre Dame romp into the next round. The Flashes closed the deficit to 67-55 with 5:30 left in the game.
Citron countered with a 3 and then cashed in on the next possession with a baseline cut to the hoop, scoring off a stunning dish from Hidalgo.Kent State guard Dionna Gray drives past Notre Dame guard Hannah Hidalgo during the NCAA Tournament Saturday, March 23, 2024, in South Bend, Ind. Hidalgo then delivered the knockout punch with a driving basket as she was fouled. Her free throw put the Fighting Irish up by 20 points at 77-57 with 3:41 left in the game.Zach Edey has first 30-20 March Madness game since 1995, No. 1 seed Purdue routs Grambling State