Notre Dame rallied from a second-half deficit to defeat Villanova 74-72 in the men's college basketball season opener in Rome on Sunday. Brady Koehler scored key baskets down the stretch and hit two free throws with four seconds remaining to seal the win. Villanova standout Tyler Perkins fouled out with 16.3 seconds left after leading the Wildcats with 18 points.
The game, part of the Eternal City Tip-Off, featured an audience with Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV for both teams and their fans Saturday. Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry called it one of the coolest experiences of his career, noting the loud Villanova fan presence. Koehler and Braeden Smith led Notre Dame, which has 10 new players, with 16 points each.
Koehler's dunk cut Villanova's lead to one point with 1:36 remaining, and Logan Duncomb hit a 3-pointer with 1:08 to go to give Notre Dame its first lead of the second half (70-68). Villanova is seeking revival after four years without an NCAA tournament win, including a first-round loss to Utah State last season. Coach Kevin Willard called the experience phenomenal and once-in-a-lifetime, praising the pope's love for Villanova.
Luigi Suigo, the 7-foot-3 Italian making his Villanova debut on home soil, had two dunks and a 3-pointer to finish with seven points. The nonconference game between the two Catholic universities was played at the 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport, about a half-hour drive from the Vatican. Villanova had more fans in attendance for the game, part of a doubleheader with a women's game between the two schools.
Notre Dame faces Mercyhurst in its home opener Thursday, while Villanova plays Holy Cross Friday and La Salle four days later.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing