“Both these team gon mop the floor with South Carolina”: College hoops fans react in build up to Paige Bueckers' UConn vs Hannah Hidalgo’s Notre Dame

Paige Bueckers' UConn and Hannah Hidalgo's Notre Dame are facing off in a high-stakes clash on Thursday. Both teams are currently in the top 10 of AP's Top 25, with the Huskies at No. 2 and the Fighting Irish at No. 8.

Ahead of their showdown at the Purcell Pavilion, fans took to social media to give their opinions. In the build-up to the game, the reigning national champions, the South Carolina Gamecocks, were brought into the conversation by a fan who believed both teams could beat Dawn Staley's team.

"Let’s be honest both these teams gon mop the floor with South Carolina anyways," said one fan.

Some fans took to supporting the Fighting Irish, with the team making massive strides under head coach Niele Ivey this season.

"Notre Dame will win like they did last season," said a fan.

"I think ND .. they have a hustle and grit about their team… if they don’t, it will be a close game," said another.

Others believe the Huskies have the edge, expecting Paige Bueckers and her teammates to score a massive win on the road.

"The way Uconn played against Louisville it's hard to go against them. ND got to play out of their minds to win. Miles need to lead the charge not Hidalgo, she need to get her 2 guard on and attack after Miles read the floor and give her the ball," said one fan.

"This is the game to bet everything on. UConn by 20+," said another.

Another fan added, "UConn by double digits. ND has no answer for Sarah Strong."

Preseason All-Americans Paige Bueckers and Hannah Hidalgo headline massive showdown

Paige Bueckers and Hannah Hidalgo have been the focal points in their team's solid starts to the 2024-25 season. The Huskies are unbeaten and are 3-0 against ranked opponents, scoring wins over former No. 14 North Carolina, former No. 18 Ole Miss and former No. 22 Louisville.

Bueckers has averaged 18.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists heading into the game, displaying why she earned a unanimous selection in AP's Preseason All-American Team.

Meanwhile, Hidalgo has also justified her Preseason All-American status with some incredible performances this season. Across the Fighting Irish's nine games, she has averaged 24.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.3 assists.

Although the Fighting Irish are 7-2 this season, they have scored impressive victories over two sides in the top-five in former No. 4 Texas and former No. 3 USC.