Olivia Miles shares why Notre Dame is ready to make run in NCAA Tournament

Notre Dame star Olivia Miles isn’t able to play in this year’s NCAA Tournament as she is still recovering from an injury, but she believes the Irish are ready to go on a run without her.

Miles joined ESPN during the second quarter of Saturday’s opening game of the NCAA Tournament against Kent State and shared what she likes about the way Notre Dame is playing as of late. The Irish jumped out to a 49-30 halftime lead against the Golden Flashes.

“I think we’re pushing the ball really, really well,” Olivia Miles said. “Our fastbreak points are up there. We’re looking for our teammates, we’re getting stops. That’s exactly what we wanted to do and also rebounding. That’s also the key.”

Notre Dame is also doing an excellent job of sharing the ball. Of the 21 made field goals in the first half, 15 of them came via an assist. The Irish only had three turnovers during the opening 20 minutes.

“I think that’s just what coach Ivey instills in us,” Miles said. “She puts us in an offense where we look for each other, and also we love each other so much. It’s so fun just to see us play together and play for each other.”

It has been an up-and-down 2023-24 season for the Irish, who have dealt with injuries for much of the year. But Notre Dame is playing well entering the NCAA Tournament. The Irish carried an eight-game win streak into the NCAA Tournament, including winning the ACC tourney over NC State.

Hannah Hidalgo has been key to the run as the freshman leads the way with an average of 23.3 points, 6.4 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game.

“We struggled a little bit early on to kind of find our identity with injuries and lineup changes, but it’s been incredible to see us kind of gel,” Miles said. “[Hannah’s] an amazing point guard. Super excited to play with her.”

As Miles alluded to, she will get to play alongside Hidalgo next season.

The All-American Miles and Freshman All-American Hidalgo should form quite the dynamic duo in South Bend. Miles believes she will be an even better player in 2024-25 than she was before her injury.

“I don’t think, I already am,” Miles said. “Put in the work to be confident in saying that. I truly believe that I am. … I think it’s just an added gratefulness to the game. I think that’s what it is.”