If you told anyone right now that Notre Dame’s backcourt is absolutely unstoppable, the first names that would pop into their minds are Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo. And they wouldn’t be wrong at all. These two are running the show, making it nearly impossible for opponents to disrupt the team’s rhythm. Under Coach Niele Ivey, this “dangerous duo” is setting the tone for the Fighting Irish’s title hopes—and even analysts agree.

NBC Sports analyst Meghan McKeown put it perfectly, saying, “What makes Notre Dame so hard right now, they are shooting lights out from three—44% as a team. That doesn’t happen ever. Not only does that lead the ACC, but it leads the entire nation.” 

And honestly, when your squad is hitting nearly half their shots from deep, it’s not hard to see why everyone’s got their eyes on this team. Hidalgo and Miles’ have been a match made in hoop heaven. Zora Stephenson highlighted how the duo combined for 10 three-pointers on less than 20 attempts in a game against UNC (that they clinched 76-66).

She even joked on the podcast, “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.” But, well, they didn’t and put up a show in the game vs North Carolina.  Hidalgo scored 18 of her 24 points before halftime, while Miles added 19 of her own.

Together, they accounted for 43 of Notre Dame’s 76 points. Both NBA analyst can’t help but admire their synergy. Stephenson noted, “Kudos to Niele Ivey, kudos to Olivia Miles too for the way she’s positioned her game to play with a dynamic guard like Hannah.” 

McKeown added, “There’s no competition between them; when one does well, the other’s doing well. That maturity and mentality are huge and will take them far in March.” And it is indeed possible. They have racked up some major wins this season, taking down top-ranked teams like Texas, USC, and UConn. 

Even UConn coach Geno Auriemma had to admit how impressive the Irish have been despite playing with a short rotation that keeps Hidalgo and Miles on the floor for extended minutes. Still, together, they’re averaging 42.2 (25.7 from Hidalgo and 16.6 from Miles) points per game, making them the most lethal backcourt. And naturally, it is earning them accolades. 

Niele Ivey’s star players earn spots on Wooden Award Watchlist

It’s no surprise that both Hidalgo and Miles have landed on the John R. Wooden Award Midseason Top 25 Watch List. This honor recognizes the best players in the nation, and these two guards are undoubtedly worthy.

Notre Dame’s Athletic Department was quick to praise Hidalgo, highlighting her incredible stats, “The sophomore guard ranks second nationally in both points per game (25.7) and steals per game (4.1). She’s shooting 50.4% from the floor and 45.8% from downtown, leading the ACC.”

As for Miles, her return to form has been nothing less than inspiring, and some are even considering her a threat for Paige Buecker’s No. 1 Draft spot. “She’s the only player in the nation averaging at least 16 points, six rebounds, and seven assists per game,” the department noted. Perhaps the most surprising improvement in her game is her three-point shooting. 

Currently, #5 is shooting 46.1% from deep this year (in 2022-23, she shot just 22.8), which leads the ACC and ranks seventh nationally. Now, with their 13-2 overall record and a perfect 4-0 start in the ACC, they prepare for more ranked matchups and keep extending their win streak as they keep their eye on the ultimate prize.