Maybe it was the noise of the crowd at Purcell Pavilion. Maybe it was the pressure of the Sweet 16, or the pedigree of the Notre Dame program or simply the talent and speed of the opposing Irish. But whatever the reason, fifth-seeded Oklahoma State found itself buried under an 18-3 deficit less than five minutes into the game against No. 1-seed Notre Dame on Saturday afternoon, a margin the Irish guarded en route to an 89-72 victory.

The win puts the Irish (34-0, 16-0 ACC) into the Elite Eight, where they will face No. 2-seed Baylor (32-4, 16-2 Big 12) at home Monday night.

Photos by Kevin Song and Michael Yu.

Freshman guard Lindsay Allen walks onto the court during player introductions.

Senior forward Ariel Braker and the Fighting Irish walk off the court.

Irish senior guard Kayla McBride throws the ball towards the net.

Irish senior forward Natalie Achonwa drives towards the net.

Irish senior guard Kayla McBride looks to pass to teammate Natalie Achonwa.

Senior guard Kayla McBride looks to shoot from the paint.

Freshman guard Lindsay Allen signals the play to her teammates.

Senior forward Natalie Achonwa leaps for a layup.

Sophomore guard Michaela Mabrey brings the ball down the court.

Senior forward Natalie Achonwa shoots a foul shot.

Junior forward Markisha Wright attempts to shoot.

Senior Kayla McBride goes for a layup.

Junior forward Markisha Wright looks to put the ball into the net.

Sophomore guard Jewell Loyd prepares the team’s next drive.

Junior guard Madison Cable looks to score.

Freshman guard Lindsay Allen looks to pass to Senior forward Natalie Achonwa.

The Leprechaun holds a dance-off against Oklahoma State’s mascot, Pistol Pete.

Irish coach Muffet McGraw walks alongside the court.