Rome Roar: Does Notre Dame's Poise Signal a Deep Run?
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After erasing a second-half deficit to top Villanova in the Eternal City Tip-Off, the Fighting Irish show the mental fortitude necessary for March madness.
Q: What happened in the season opener between Notre Dame and Villanova?
A: In a game played Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome, Notre Dame defeated Villanova 74-72, as Sportsnet first reported. The Fighting Irish managed a late-game comeback after trailing for the majority of the second half to secure the victory.
Q: Which players were instrumental in the Fighting Irish's comeback?
A: Sportsnet reports that forward Brady Koehler and guard Braeden Smith both led Notre Dame with 16 points each. Koehler played a pivotal role down the stretch, including a dunk that reduced Villanova's lead to a single point with 1:36 remaining. Additionally, Logan Duncomb hit a 3-pointer with 1:08 left on the clock, giving Notre Dame a 70-68 lead—their first lead of the second half. Koehler eventually sealed the win with two free throws, putting the Irish up 74-70 with four seconds left.
Q: Did any specific events contribute to the game's closing momentum?
A: Yes. Sportsnet notes that Villanova standout Tyler Perkins, who led the Wildcats with 18 points, fouled out of the game with 16.3 seconds remaining.
Q: What is the context surrounding the teams entering this matchup?
A: Both programs entered the game unranked in the preseason AP Top 25. Notre Dame is integrating a significant amount of new talent, featuring 10 new players, as reported by Sportsnet. Villanova, meanwhile, is attempting a revival after a four-year stretch without an NCAA Tournament win, a period that followed the sudden retirement of Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright and included a first-round exit against Utah State last season.
Q: Were there any notable performances from Villanova?
A: Sportsnet highlights the debut of Luigi Suigo, a 7-foot-3 Italian player. Suigo scored seven points, including a 3-pointer and two dunks, while playing on his home soil.
Q: What other events took place during the Eternal City Tip-Off?
A: The doubleheader included a Saturday audience with Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, for the fans and players of both teams. In the second game of the event, the No. 13 Notre Dame women's team beat Villanova 99-75, led by Hannah Hidalgo's 32 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals, per Sportsnet.
Q: What is next for both programs?
A: Notre Dame will play its home opener this Thursday against Mercyhurst. Villanova will play Holy Cross in its home opener on Friday, followed by a game against La Salle four days later, according to Sportsnet.