Notre Dame erased a 10-point second-half deficit to stun Villanova 74-72 in the Eternal City Tip-Off at Palazzo dello Sport in Rome on November 1, 2026, marking a dramatic opening to the 2026-27 college basketball season.
Irish Rally Led by Koehler, Smith, and Duncomb
The Fighting Irish trailed 60-50 with 10:24 remaining after Villanova guard Tyler Perkins hit his fourth three-pointer of the half. Forward Brady Koehler, point guard Braeden Smith, and center Logan Duncomb then sparked a comeback with key plays on both ends. Duncomb, scoreless in the first half, finished with nine points, including the go-ahead three-pointer — the first of his career — with 68 seconds left. Smith, a Gonzaga transfer, scored 16 points and went 10-for-11 from the free-throw line. Koehler posted 16 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks while battling foul trouble, including a crucial corner block on Kwame Evans and a defensive rebound on Elijah Crawford's potential game-tying attempt before sealing the win with two free throws in the final seconds.
Villanova's Concerns Despite Perkins' Effort
Perkins led Villanova with 18 points, but the Wildcats committed 20 turnovers and struggled with transition defense and ill-advised fouls. Coach Kevin Willard faces a long runway to address the issues before facing more athletic opponents. The game also marked a return to pure basketball discussion after an offseason dominated by legal matters.
