Part 3/5:
On defense, Notre Dame was equally impressive, forcing turnovers and converting them into fast-break points. The defensive strategies employed by Coach Caldwell resembled a mix of traditional tactics with creative adjustments suited to the flow of the game. The Fighting Irish’s ability to contest shots and capitalize on the opponent's mistakes made it difficult for North Carolina to establish any momentum.
An extraordinary play occurred when Hidalgo made a steal and went full speed down the court, demonstrating the quick transition from defense to offense. The effective use of the court space allowed for more open shots, noticeably from the perimeter, where Notre Dame excelled, hitting an impressive number of three-pointers throughout the game.