Hannah Hidalgo's humble response to stepping up against UConn in consecutive seasons: "It's a gift from God. It's nothing really so much that I do"

Notre Dame budding star, Hannah Hidalgo, had one of her best games thus far in the Fighting Irish's 76-68 win over UConn on Thursday. The 5-foot-5 guard exploded for 29 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists and three steals en route to her team's eighth victory of the season.

Even after taking down the championship-contending Huskies twice in a row, Hidalgo remains grounded in her abilities, as evident in the post-game presser.

"First and foremost, it's a gift given from God," Hidalgo said. "That's all I can say about my performance. It's nothing really so much I do. The Lord has blessed me with such a talent. I just go out and have fun." (7:00)

Hidalgo then credited her teammates, particularly backcourt running mate Olivia Miles, for making the game easier for her:

"My teammates open the game up so much for me. They make everything so easy. When Olivia's driving and they're all collapsing on her, she's able to kick it out or I'm able to go back door. Things like that it just opens the game up so much for me because of how much pressure and how much attention my teammates draw." (7:20)

This is the second time in a row that Notre Dame has defeated UConn, having previously won 82-67 earlier in January. Hannah Hidalgo, who was in her rookie year, put up 34 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in that game.

Olivia Miles complimented Hidalgo's performance, playing with an early ankle injury to still finish with 16 points, four boards, three assists and a steal. Stalwart Liatu King, who joined Hidalgo in the presser, was also productive with 16 markers of her own, 12 rebounds and three steals.

Hannah Hidalgo is averaging 25.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 4.0 steals per game in her sophomore season.

Hidalgo and the Fighting Irish (8-2) will return to action on Sunday against the Eastern Michigan Eagles (1-5) at home.

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Niele Ivey knew Hannah Hidalgo was going to be a star

Notre Dame coach Niele Ivey, a former WNBA player, always had faith in Hidalgo, as she said during the presser:

"I knew that she was going to be a special player. She always played with a chip on her shoulder. She always wears her heart on her sleeve. Having that passion and that energy and the love and joy of the game." (7:50)

Coming out of Paul VI High in Haddonfield, New Jersey, Hannah Hidalgo was considered the No. 5-ranked high school recruit in the 2023 class.