Notre Dame Stuns Villanova In Rome Opener
A late surge and a key foul allowed the Fighting Irish to secure a 74-72 victory in Italy.
By Bianca Ricci ·
Notre Dame trailed for much of the second half but overcame Villanova 74-72 in the men's college basketball season opener in Rome. The game concluded with Villanova standout Tyler Perkins fouling out with 16.3 seconds remaining. Perkins led the Wildcats with 18 points, but his departure from the floor allowed the Fighting Irish to secure the final baskets.
The matchup, part of a doubleheader called the Eternal City Tip-Off, featured both teams unranked in the preseason AP Top 25. Notre Dame entered the game with 10 new players on the roster. Brady Koehler and Braeden Smith each scored 16 points for the Irish, providing the offensive production necessary to turn the tide in the closing minutes.
The momentum shifted with 1:36 left on the clock. Koehler dunked the ball to cut the Villanova lead to one point. Shortly after, Logan Duncomb hit a three-pointer with 1:08 remaining to give Notre Dame a 70-68 lead. It was the first time the Fighting Irish led in the second half. Koehler then made two free throws with four seconds left, extending the advantage to 74-70 and effectively ending the contest.
Villanova enters the season seeking a rebound after four years without a win in the NCAA Tournament. The program has not advanced past the first round since Jay Wright retired. Last season, the Wildcats fell to Utah State in their opening tournament game. The loss in Rome adds to a challenging start for a team looking to restore its standing in the sport.
Luigi Suigo, a 7-foot-3 Italian making his debut for Villanova, played on home soil. He recorded two dunks and a three-pointer for a total of seven points. The arena announcer chanted his name after each score. The game took place at the 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport, a venue located about 30 minutes from the Vatican. Villanova fans comprised the larger share of the audience.
In the second game of the doubleheader, the No. 13 Fighting Irish women defeated Villanova 99-75. Hannah Hidalgo led the Irish with 32 points, eight assists, seven rebounds, and three steals. The victory capped a full day of competition between the two Catholic institutions.
Notre Dame plays Mercyhurst in its home opener on Thursday. Villanova hosts Holy Cross on Friday before facing La Salle four days later.
Source: Pioneer Press
