Sweet 16 bound: Irish crank up defense in win over Cal

NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- Notre Dame is now in the Sweet 16

The first half against Cal was a tight battle. The game was tied at 31 at the half, but in the second it was the Irish who never stopped on their way to a 72 to 62 victory. 

Natalie Novosel led all scorers with 28 points and Skylar Diggins added 21.  The team said changing defenses at halftime was key to their huge run. 

“I think it was putting more pressure on the ball. In the first half we weren't containing the ball at all,” said Diggins. “The guards were having their way, getting to the basket and dishing and things like that. We wanted to make sure we did a better job of staying in front of the ball and helping our bigs out a little bit.  You know, just stepping it up on defense, the intensity part of it. “

The Fighting Irish will now go against St. Bonaventure Sunday in Raleigh, North Carolina.

ABC57 News will continue to follow the Notre Dame women as they fight to make it all the way to the Final Four match up in Denver.

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