While sidelined last season, the All-American playmaker gained a new perspective that has helped the Fighting Irish become the best 3-point shooting team in women’s college basketball.

Notre Dame ascended to No. 1 in The Associated Press women’s basketball poll Monday, becoming the third team to reach that spot this season.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish are making basketball look easy. Like, unsettlingly easy. They’ve won 19 in a row, all but one by double digits. It’s the toughest draw in the country for the NC State Wolfpack,

While the backcourt is a huge reason why Notre Dame has been one of the nation's elite teams this season, forward Liatu King has quietly proven she could be the X-factor as March Madness approaches. The Irish have the No.

Miami guard Haley Cavinder, coming off a 27-point performance against Florida State, went 4-of-15 against Notre Dame’s stifling defense and managed only eight points. She and her twin sister, Hanna, the UM point guard, had a rough day off the court, as well.

The No. 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish present a serious problem for opponents: there’s no easy way to stop them. Whether it’s Hannah Hidalgo’s speed or Olivia Miles’ playmaking, defenses have to pick their poison when dealing with the superstar guard duo.