Notre Dame opened its college basketball season with a 74-72 victory over Villanova on November 1, 2026, at the Palazzo dello Sport dell’Eur in Rome, Italy, erasing a 10-point second-half deficit during the historic Eternal City Tip-Off event.
Late-Game Rally Seals the Win for Notre Dame
Brady Koehler secured the victory for the Fighting Irish by sinking two free throws with 4.1 seconds remaining on the clock, according to live updates from USA Today. The decisive sequence capped a furious 15-6 burst by Notre Dame in the game’s closing minutes. Logan Duncomb sparked the comeback by hitting a crucial 3-pointer with 1.08 remaining to give the Irish a 70-68 lead. Following a defensive stop featuring a block by Koehler, Notre Dame closed out the tight contest to start the season 1-0.
The matchup marked the first game of a high-profile NCAA doubleheader in Italy that brought the men’s and women’s programs from both Catholic universities to Rome.
Villanova Controls Early Play Before Second-Half Slip
Villanova controlled large portions of the game through a dominant performance from its bench unit during the first half. The Wildcats built a 35-31 halftime advantage, outscoring Notre Dame’s reserves 15-2 in the opening twenty minutes. In the first half, Braeden Shrewsberry led the Irish with 10 points while Ethan Roberts added nine. Villanova extended its lead to as many as 10 points in the second half before Notre Dame’s defensive intensity began to force turnovers and shift momentum.
Notre Dame head coach Micah Shrewsberry told Fox during the broadcast that his team’s early deficit stemmed from a lack of defensive discipline. Despite those early struggles, the Irish clawed back into contention, setting up the frantic final minutes where Braeden Smith added key free throws and steady playmaking.
Notre Dame 74, Villanova 70 That was a fun way to start the season. Nice win for the Irish over a Villanova team projected to make the 2027 NCAA Tournament.
Luigi Suigo Debuts for Villanova in Capital Clash
The game also provided a milestone moment for 19-year-old Italian prospect Luigi Suigo. The 221-centimeter freshman center, playing for the Villanova Wildcats, made his collegiate debut in front of a home-country crowd. Suigo finished the contest with seven points, five rebounds, and one block across 24 minutes of action, showcasing his potential as an NBA prospect despite battling the brisk pace and initial tension of the American style of play.
Reflecting on the unique overseas event after the final buzzer, Villanova head coach Kevin Willard told ESPN, “We have just suffered a defeat, but this has been a phenomenal experience, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We are simply grateful that it happened.”
Vatican Audience Precedes the Rome Tip-Off
Prior to taking the floor at the Palazzo dello Sport, both university delegations and thousands of traveling fans were received at the Vatican by Pope Leo XIV. The pontiff, an alumnus of Villanova who earned a degree in mathematics from the institution, addressed the gathering prior to the tournament. According to the Corriere dello Sport, the Pope remarked that “the Pope does not take sides.”
The Eternal City Tip-Off transformed the Eur district venue into a hybrid of a Midwest collegiate atmosphere and Roman pageantry. The stands featured sections filled with Villanova faithful and Notre Dame supporters wearing green apparel and custom T-shirts bearing the tricolore and the motto Forza Irish. As the final buzzer sounded, arena speakers played popular Italian melodies like Sarà perché ti amo and That’s Amore, closing out an unforgettable opening night for college basketball abroad.
