Notre Dame Overcomes Late Villanova Lead in Rome Opener

Notre Dame defeated Villanova 74-72 in the season opener for men's college basketball on Sunday.

The game took place in Rome, Italy, during an event named the Eternal City Tip-Off. Both teams entered the contest unranked in the preseason AP Top 25. Notre Dame finished with 10 new players on its roster. Brady Koehler and Braeden Smith each scored 16 points for the Fighting Irish. Villanova’s Tyler Perkins led the Wildcats with 18 points before fouling out with 16.3 seconds remaining.

Villanova held the lead for most of the second half. Koehler closed the gap to one point with a dunk in the final minute and 36 seconds. Logan Duncomb then made a three-pointer with 1 minute and 8 seconds left to give Notre Dame a 70-68 lead. It was the first time the Fighting Irish had been ahead in the second half. Koehler converted two free throws with 4 seconds remaining to extend the lead to 74-70. The final score stood at 74-72.

Luigi Suigo, a 7-foot-3 Italian center, made his debut for Villanova in his home country. He scored seven points, including two dunks and a three-pointer. The arena announcer called his name with a rhythmic chant as he scored. The 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport hosted the game. The venue is located about a half-hour drive from the Vatican. Villanova supporters outnumbered Notre Dame fans in the stands.

Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, met with both teams and their fans on Saturday. The meeting occurred the day before the game. The two schools are both Catholic universities. The matchup was a nonconference contest.

Villanova is seeking a turnaround after four seasons without an NCAA Tournament win. The Wildcats missed the tournament for three years after Hall of Fame coach Jay Wright retired. They then suffered a first-round loss to Utah State last season. Notre Dame will play Mercyhurst, another Catholic school, in its home opener on Thursday. Villanova plays Holy Cross in its home opener on Friday and meets La Salle four days later.