No. 2 Vanderbilt Faces No. 6 Notre Dame in Sweet 16 Showdown

Mikayla Blakes and Hannah Hidalgo set to go head-to-head as Commodores look to advance to Elite Eight

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:53am

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Vanderbilt's women's basketball team has made it to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2009, setting up a matchup with No. 6 Notre Dame in Fort Worth, Texas. The game features a highly anticipated individual battle between Vanderbilt's star guard Mikayla Blakes and Notre Dame's standout Hannah Hidalgo. While the two superstars may largely cancel each other out, the supporting casts of both teams will be crucial in determining the outcome.

Why it matters

This is a massive opportunity for Vanderbilt to make a deep NCAA Tournament run, something the program hasn't achieved in over a decade. A win over a highly ranked Notre Dame squad would be a significant accomplishment and further cement Vanderbilt's status as an emerging power in women's college basketball.

The details

Vanderbilt is led by Blakes, who is averaging 27.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. Notre Dame counters with Hidalgo, who is putting up 25.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 5.6 steals per contest. The supporting casts will be key, with Vanderbilt relying on Aubrey Galvan, Justine Pissott, and the frontcourt duo of Sacha Washington and Aiyana Mitchell, while Notre Dame leans on Cassandre Prosper, Iyana Moore, and Vanessa de Jesus.

  • The game is scheduled for March 27, 2026 at 1:30 PM CST.

The players

Mikayla Blakes

Vanderbilt's star guard who is averaging 27.0 points, 4.6 assists, and 2.9 steals per game.

Hannah Hidalgo

Notre Dame's standout player who is putting up 25.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 5.6 steals per contest.

Aubrey Galvan

Vanderbilt's freshman point guard sensation who will likely be matched up with Iyana Moore or Vanessa de Jesus.

Justine Pissott

A 6'4 shooter for Vanderbilt who has improved her rebounding and defense as the season has progressed.

Sacha Washington

Vanderbilt's dominant frontcourt player who was phenomenal in the first round.

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What they’re saying

“Watching those two [Blakes and Hidalgo] go head-to-head will be must-see, and while they may largely cancel each other out, I give a slight edge to Blakes.”

— Colin Bryant, Author

“This is a really strong Fighting Irish team, led by superstar Hannah Hidalgo. Hidalgo is an elite scorer and one of the best defenders in the country.”

— Colin Bryant, Author

What’s next

The winner of this Sweet 16 matchup will advance to the Elite Eight, one step closer to the Final Four.

The takeaway

This game represents a major opportunity for Vanderbilt to make a deep NCAA Tournament run and further establish itself as an emerging power in women's college basketball. The individual battle between Blakes and Hidalgo will be must-see, but the supporting casts of both teams will ultimately determine the outcome.