Hannah Hidalgo erupts for 32 points as Notre Dame breezes past Villanova in Rome

If Notre Dame’s first game of the 2026-27 college basketball season is any indication, star guard Hannah Hidalgo is going to leave everything out on the court during her senior year. Hidalgo was fantastic Sunday, dropping 32 points to lead Notre Dame past Villanova 99-75.Hidalgo found herself involved extremely early, scoring the first two baskets for Notre Dame and assisting the next two baskets. Hannah Hidalgo fights through contact for the AND-1 for @ndwbb!📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/AmuP6TVBCQ— FOX College Hoops (@CBBonFOX) November 1, 2026She finished the first quarter with eight points and didn’t stop there. A flawless second quarter saw Hidalgo go a perfect 4-for-4 from the field, including two 3-pointers. She took Notre Dame into halftime with 18 points. The Irish led by 19 after the first half. Villanova turned in a strong third quarter, dropping 27 points and keeping Hidalgo in check. Despite that, Notre Dame managed to drop 25, preventing Villanova from getting back into the game. That proved to be the most Villanova challenged the entire game. Hidalgo added nine more points in the final quarter, keeping Notre Dame up roughly 20 points during the entire frame. She was finally subbed out of the contest with just over a minute to play. She finished the contest with 32 points, eight assists and seven rebounds. It marked the ninth time in her career Hidalgo scored at least 32 points in a game. It was the 21st time she scored 30 points or more in her college career. Big things are expected of Hidalgo in her senior season. The two-time ACC Player of the Year has a number of achievements in college, but a national championship has eluded her so far. If Sunday was any indication, Hidalgo is more motivated than ever to lead Notre Dame to a title.