The Round of 64 game was all smiles for the Fighting Irish Nation until it wasn’t. A dominant game from the start, Niele Ivey believes their 30th trip to the tourney had just the start, and then some. “Really grateful for today. It was a great performance from our team,” she says. But for a minute, there might have been nary an arena quieter than Purcell Pavilion. A déjà vu as Olivia Miles went down the same way for the second time this season. The HC is looking past it, but the fans aren’t, and their blame is all directed at one place.

It took the No.3-seeded Notre Dame a little over three minutes to find its footing. The Ladyjacks had taken an early lead at 6-0. But that was the most the Fighting Irish were ever letting their opponents relish. Once the score tied 8-8, they never looked back. They had the Ladyjacks figured out, outclassing the number 13 seed with ease. So by the time the fourth quarter rolled in, Notre Dame was in complete control. They held a commanding 78-41 lead. But here’s where things got interesting.

Niele Ivey decided to take a rather strange decision. She decided to keep her stars on the court. She wanted to make sure there were no slip-ups. But that’s when the tough sight unfolded.

With 8:44 remaining on the clock, star guard Olivia Miles went down. She appeared to have rolled her ankle. After taking a while to stand up and limp off the court, she didn’t return. Just like that, the mood shifted. The Fighting Irish’s second-lead scorer had stepped on someone’s foot. It was a scene that had played out back in December in the game against UConn.

Miles had stepped on someone’s foot then too in the first half. She was ushered off the court and was seen practicing mobility exercises and getting her ankle taped. But fortunately, the senior guard was cleared to get back on the court for a later few minutes. That wasn’t it today.

Alongside Hanna Hidalgo, Miles makes for the Notre Dame’s “dangerous duo,” averaging 16.2 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 5.8 assists. If you ask Zora Stephenson, the only way you can guard them, “is just hope they miss the game—like, hope they miss the bus or something from the hotel.” Well, the injury now isn’t doing the Fighting Irish any favor.

Notre Dame may have become the first non-1-seed to score 100 points and win by 50-plus in an NCAA tournament game, but a part of it had posed a serious injury threat to one of its star players. Fans were furious. Many questioned why Miles was still on the floor with the game all but wrapped up. Naturally, Coach Ivey faced heavy criticism for her decision.

Fans fume as Olivia Miles suffers an injury scare

Fans were livid, and they made sure to let their voices be heard. One fan took to X, saying, “I love Coach Ivey, but ain’t no way Olivia Miles should’ve been in the game still and y’all up by damn near 50!” Well, the game was all but decided when the Fighting Irish started widening their gap. By the time Miles went down, they were 82-43. Sonia Citron, Hanna Hidalgo, Laitu King, and Maddy Westbeld, all stat leaders were on the court during the incident.

With the bench rotation impressive enough throughout the game– Liza Karlen even landing a double-double — fan wish there was more of that than the starters in the final quarter. “Why was Olivia Miles even in the game in the 4th quarter?” questioned another.

On top of that, Miles was struggling. She went 0-6 from the field. Keeping her in the court made little sense. Why was Olivia Miles still in the game with Notre Dame up 40? She was then injured. I hope she’ll be OK,” added another. Miles has been a crucial piece for Notre Dame this season, leading in assists. She even contributed 64% of the team’s total through her passes before she went down. So even a slight mishap has fans naturally concerned.

“Really worried about the Olivia Miles injury,” echoed another.

Notre Dame has failed to make it past Sweet 16 since 2019 and with the roster they have had this season — 2 WNBA lottery pick calibers and one National Player of Year candidate — they look well poised to end the draught. But an injury threatening the possibilities of that wouldn’t sit well with fans. “Pray olivia is ok,” came a comment.

Fortunately, according to Niele Ivey’s post-game remarks, Miles is doing OK as confirmed by the player herself. She is, however, going to be sore. The trainers have 48 hours to get her ready for the next game and the head coach sounds positive. “She should be good,” Ivey concluded.

Only time will tell how Miles’ setback will impact Notre Dame’s tournament run. The Fighting Irish are chasing their first Final Four under Niele Ivey and will be facing the Michigan Wolverines next on the path.