Notre Dame vs Ole Miss preview

 

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Notre Dame will face a team from the state of Mississippi in round two of the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row.

After both teams secured double-digit wins over their opponents in round one, there's a short window to prepare for Monday's matchup.

Ole Miss took down Marquette 67-55 with three players in double-figures. Madison Scott (20), Kennedy Todd-Williams (15), and Tyia Singleton (12). The Rebels going into the matchup, knowing exactly what they're up against.

"Piggybacking off that, just understanding personnel, knowing not to play with the ball in front of Hidalgo, and knowing that Sonia is looking to score," Scott added.

Same goes for Notre Dame. A double-digit win and three players in double-figures, and junior forward Maddy Westbeld, one point shy of a double-double with 10 rebounds.

What you won't see on the stat sheet is Westbeld's impact defensively. Some things can't be labeled on the stat sheet but are pivotal. Especially when the Irish are without Kylee Watson due to a torn ACL.

With eight players available for Notre Dame, Head Coach Niele Ivey only played seven in round one. So, without depth, expect a physical battle from Ole Miss.

"They are a great team. They are really athletic. I think that's one thing that we just need to lock in on defensively, and also rebounding is a really big key for us to win. They crash the glass on every offensive possession and opportunity, so I think if we can win the rebounding battle, it will look good for us tomorrow," Westbeld mentioned.

Monday's tipoff between #2 Notre Dame and #7 Ole Miss is at 2 p.m. EST at Purcell Pavilion.