Notre Dame just gave college basketball fans an early reminder that this team isn’t going to go down without a fight.
The Fighting Irish opened their 2026-27 season in spectacular fashion Sunday, rallying from a second-half deficit to defeat Villanova 74-72 at the Eternal City Tip-Off in Rome.
And it took a clutch finish to get it done.
Notre Dame trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half and looked to be running out of time. But with the game on the line, the Irish came alive, putting together a massive late run to steal the victory.
Brady Koehler and Braeden Smith led the way with 16 points apiece. Koehler delivered a huge dunk with 1:36 remaining to bring Notre Dame within one, while Logan Duncomb knocked down a three-pointer moments later to give the Irish their first lead of the second half.
Smith also came up big at the free-throw line, converting 10 of his 11 attempts.
Notre Dame’s defense was just as important. The Irish forced 20 Villanova turnovers and turned those mistakes into 20 points. They also dominated the offensive glass, creating 16 second-chance points.
Villanova had one final opportunity to force overtime, but its last shot wouldn’t fall, allowing Notre Dame to escape with a two-point victory.
The win is an important early result for head coach Micah Shrewsberry and a Notre Dame team featuring 10 new players. Starting the season against a quality Villanova opponent in an international setting was no easy task, especially after falling behind by double digits.
But the Irish found a way.
This was also a memorable setting for college basketball’s opening weekend. The game was played in Rome as part of the Eternal City Tip-Off, with both programs getting the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova alumnus, before the matchup.
Notre Dame now returns home with a 1-0 record and plenty of momentum heading into its home opener against Mercyhurst on Thursday.