Duke vs. Notre Dame: Key Matchup, Star Players, and How to Watch
College basketball fans, get ready for a must-watch showdown in the ACC. On Monday, February 17, 2025, the Duke Blue Devils will face off against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in a high-stakes women’s basketball matchup. The game will take place at Purcell Pavilion in Notre Dame, Indiana, with tip-off set for 6:00 PM ET. Fans can catch the action live on ESPN or stream it through WatchESPN and Sling TV.
This game is crucial for both teams as they approach the postseason. Notre Dame sits atop the ACC with a 22-2 record, while Duke holds the third spot at 20-5. This is their only regular-season meeting, but given their strong performances, they could cross paths again in the ACC or NCAA tournaments.
A Battle Between Conference Powerhouses
Notre Dame has been nearly unstoppable this season, currently riding a 17-game winning streak that dates back to late November. Their dominance has established them as one of the premier teams in the nation. At the heart of their success is standout guard Hannah Hidalgo, whose performances have made her one of the biggest names in college basketball this year.
Duke, meanwhile, is coming into this contest on a solid note, having won eight of its last nine games. Although they recently suffered a setback against NC State, the Blue Devils remain a formidable force. With strong contributions from players like Toby Fournier and Ashlon Jackson, Duke has the talent to challenge any team, including the ACC leaders.
Key Players to Watch
Hannah Hidalgo has been the driving force behind Notre Dame’s success this season. Averaging 25.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, she is the leading scorer for the Fighting Irish and a constant threat on the court. Her ability to control the pace of play and score efficiently makes her the player to watch in this matchup.
Duke counters with a duo of rising stars in Toby Fournier and Ashlon Jackson. Fournier provides a strong inside presence, bringing both defensive prowess and scoring ability to the team. Jackson, on the other hand, has been a key contributor in the backcourt, making smart decisions and hitting crucial shots when it matters most. While Notre Dame has the most prolific scorer in Hidalgo, Duke’s balance of talent could make this game far more competitive than the records suggest.
What’s at Stake?
The significance of this game goes beyond just another regular-season contest. For Notre Dame, extending their winning streak would reinforce their position as ACC favorites and boost their confidence heading into the postseason. A victory would serve as another statement win, showing that the Fighting Irish are the team to beat in the conference.
For Duke, this is a massive opportunity to prove their strength against one of the best teams in the country. A win on the road against the top-ranked ACC team would elevate their status as real contenders, setting them up for a strong finish to the season. Duke has already shown flashes of brilliance, and pulling off an upset would bolster their momentum heading into tournament play.
How to Watch
Basketball fans can watch the game live on ESPN or stream it through WatchESPN and Sling TV. For fans without a traditional cable subscription, Sling TV’s Orange plan ($46 per month) includes ESPN, making it a convenient option to catch the action.
For international viewers facing regional restrictions, using a VPN service like NordVPN can help bypass geographic blocks, ensuring access to the game from anywhere in the world.
Final Thoughts
This ACC battle between Duke and Notre Dame is shaping up to be one of the season’s most crucial matchups. Notre Dame will aim to extend their impressive winning streak behind the star power of Hannah Hidalgo, while Duke looks to make a bold statement by taking down the conference leaders.
With tournament implications on the line and both teams eager to solidify their standings, this is a game that college basketball fans won’t want to miss. Tune in at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN or stream the game online via Sling TV and WatchESPN for what promises to be an intense and exciting showdown.
