"Don't want to take the game for granted": Hannah Hidalgo on having fun beating JuJu Watkins' USC 

Notre Dame spitfire guard Hannah Hidalgo is all smiles after dismantling JuJu Watkins and the USC Trojans, 74-61, in their Saturday matchup in Los Angeles. Hidalgo paced her team to the triumph with 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds — matching rival Watkins' 24 markers of her own.

During the post-game press conference, Hidalgo was asked about the key to having fun during the game. The standout sophomore responded:

"I don't want to take the game for granted. I'm just blessed. I'm just excited to play the game of basketball. I give all glory to God because He allows me to play the game of basketball. So, when I'm on the court, I just want to glorify Him, you know. It's a privilege to be able to play the game and to be able to do it on this high level.

"I don't want to do it (play) like, angry, or upset. I don't want to take the game for granted. I'm just out there having fun. Just having fun." (2:00)

Early on the season, Hannah Hidalgo has led the Fighting Irish to an unblemished 5-0 record to top the Atlantic Coast Conference standings. So far, she's putting up 24.8 points and 6.2 rebounds.

After the big win against USC and college sensation, JuJu Watkins, Hidalgo and the rest of Notre Dame are setting their sights on their Saturday fixture against the TCU Horned Frogs at the John Gray Gymnasium in the Cayman Islands.

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Hannah Hidalgo prides on being Notre Dame's energizer

In the Fighting Irish-Trojans game, Hidalgo was noticeably animated throughout the matchup. After almost every play or call, she was visibly shouting, taunting and cheering on her teammates with utmost energy.

Hidalgo, during the post-game presser, was then asked about how mindful she is of the energy and tenacity she brings to her squad. She answered by discussing how much pride she has for that role, saying:

"I bring that energy. I know my team feeds off of that. I know they feed off of when I'm diving on the floor (or) when I'm getting stops or when I'm running in transition. I know they need that, and everyone else raises their level of intensity." (5:08)

Should the Notre Dame Fighting Irish put up a successful 2024-2025 campaign, look to Hannah Hidalgo to sustain the energy she's been putting up for her team.