"She hit that big shot against UConn too": Hannah Hidalgo reveals special Arike Ogunbowale interaction after buzzer-beater vs UConn

Hannah Hidalgo set the Purcell Pavilion alight with another fine performance for No. 8 Notre Dame Thursday night. The sophomore guard led the Fighting Irish to an impressive 79-68 victory over No. 2 UConn in front of a capacity crowd featuring some of the program's greatest players.

Among notable alumni was Arike Ogunbowale, who led the Fighting Irish to their last national championship in 2018. Ahead of Notre Dame's showdown with UConn, Hidalgo announced a new NIL deal with Red Bull, and was surprised by the Dallas Wings star while giving an interview for the energy drink company.

In the intense game in South Bend last night, Hidalgo hit an impressive buzzer beater to extend the Fighting Irish's lead to 56-52 at the end of the third quarter.

During the postgame news conference, Hidalgo spoke about her interaction with Ogunbowale and recalled the former Irish star's buzzer beater against UConn in the Final Four of the 2018 NCAA Tournament.

"I saw Arike the other day and you know she hit that that big shot against UConn too so it's like you know especially at the end of the third quarter when I hit that shot it was like looking over like, ‘Yeah, we in it too!’

"So you know kind of looking over and kind of seeing them kind of cheer for us it's just something so special about them because there are some of the greats that have come through this program," said Hidalgo. (9:27)

Hidalgo and Notre Dame overcome stiff challenge posed by UConn

Hidalgo and Paige Bueckers took center stage in the top-10 showdown that college basketball fans were looking forward to this week. Both guards showcased why they deserved their spots in AP's Preseason All-American team, leading from the front in an enthralling contest.

Hidalgo finished with an impressive double-double of 29 points and 10 rebounds along with eight assists, while Bueckers finished as the Huskies' top scorer with 25 points.

Hidalgo received ample support from Liatu King, who also finished with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Olivia Miles, who finished with 16 points and four rebounds.

The Fighting Irish's win over the Huskies marks their third victory over top-five opposition, and adds to their credentials as a serious contenders for the national championship this season.