The opening game of the Sweet 16 is a showcase between two of the best individual players in the country. Hannah Hidalgo has been a one-woman highlight reel, leading the sixth-seeded Fighting Irish to the Sweet 16 for the fifth straight season. They take on the top-scorer in the country, Mikayla Blakes, and second-seeded Vanderbilt. The Fighting Irish are looking for back-to-back upsets and the first Elite Eight appearance since the 2018-2019 season. Blakes led the country in scoring in her sophomore season with 27.0 points per game. She has carried that into the NCAA Tournament through the first two games for the Commodores.
How to Watch Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt today:
Game Date: Friday, Mar. 27, 2026
Game Time: 11:30 a.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Location: Dickies Arena
Live stream Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt on Fubo: Start watching now!
In her first three NCAA Tournament games, Blakes has been fantastic with 81 points, 18 rebounds, 16 assists, and seven steals on 21-38 shooting. Last season the Commodores lost in overtime in the first round. This season, they have the opportunity to reach their first Elite Eight since the 2001-2002 season.
Hidalgo is coming off a masterpiece performance, leading the Fighting Irish to an upset win. She finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds, eight steals, and two assists. She is four steals away from tying the single-season record and five from breaking Chastadie Barrs 2018-2019 record.
Throughout Hidalgo’s college career, she has been a big game player. She is averaging 19.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.0 steals, and 4.5 assists per game in eight NCAA Tournament games. In her career, Hidalgo has 10 games with eight or more steals, leading the Fighting Irish to an 8-2 record.
The Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt game will take place on Friday, Mar. 27, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. ET. Tune in and catch some great women’s college basketball action.
Looking to watch this game? Fans can tune into ESPN to see the action. Make sure you subscribe to Fubo now to watch this matchup, as well as numerous other sports leagues.
Live stream Notre Dame vs Vanderbilt on Fubo: Start watching now!
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