Notre Dame's women's basketball team headed to 9th straight Sweet Sixteen

By: ABC57 Staff

Posted: Mar 18, 2018 11:40 PM EDT

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The No. 1 seed Irish are advancing to the Sweet 16 after toppling No. 9 Villanova, 98-72.

According to the university, it was the second straight game that Head Coach Muffet McGraw's Irish had three scorers with 20-plus points.

Jessica Shepard posted a double-double, Jackie Young scored career high 24-points, and Arike Ogunbowale was right there with her with 24-points of her own.

The schools said Jessica Shepard was named player of the game all due to her fourth straight double-double, becoming the first player since Jacqueline Batteast back in January of 2004.

This was the 30th meeting between the Irish and Villanova, with the Irish leading the series 20-10.

The win was also the 14th straight NCAA Tournament game the Irish have won at Purcell Pavilion.

With the victory, the Irish are headed to their 16th Sweet Sixteen and 9th straight under Muffet McGraw.

Notre Dame now set their sights on Spokane, Washington where they will face Texas A&M in the Regional Semifinal game on Saturday. Tipoff is at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Time.