In a fiercely contested matchup, the No. 19 Syracuse Orange fell to the No. 12 North Carolina State Wolfpack in overtime, propelling the Virginia Tech Hokies to their first-ever outright ACC regular-season championship. Despite the Hokies' 10-game winning streak coming to a halt with a loss to Notre Dame, they held onto the top spot in the conference standings.

The game held significant importance for both teams, as they vied for advantageous positions heading into the postseason. Earlier in the night, the Hokies were ranked at No. 5 in the NCAA reveal, showcasing their exceptional season thus far. With a record of 23-5 overall and 14-3 in the ACC, Virginia Tech has proven themselves as a force to be reckoned with.

Notre Dame's 5-foot-6 point guard, Hannah Hidalgo, played a crucial role in igniting the Fighting Irish's offense, leading them to an early 18-2 advantage in fastbreak points. Hidalgo, the ACC's top scorer, emphasized the importance of starting strong and setting the tone for her team. She finished the game with an impressive performance, contributing to Notre Dame's victory.

Notre Dame's Sonia Citron scored 21 points, while Maddy Westbeld added 19 points to secure the win. On the other side, Georgia Amoore led Virginia Tech with 20 points, accompanied by Matilda Ekh and Elizabeth Kitley, who both scored 12 points.

Despite the loss, Virginia Tech coach Kenny Brooks highlighted the significance of winning the ACC regular-season championship outright. The Hokies will not have to share their title with any other team, a remarkable achievement for the program. Brooks expressed his pride in the team's growth and success, especially considering that Notre Dame was once the dominant force in the conference.

Looking ahead, both teams will be back in action on Sunday. Virginia Tech will face off against in-state rival, the Virginia Cavaliers, while Notre Dame will host the formidable Louisville Cardinals. These upcoming games will provide another opportunity for the Hokies and the Fighting Irish to further solidify their positions and continue their pursuit of success in the highly competitive ACC.