Notre Dame stages late comeback to knock off Villanova in Rome

Notre Dame defeated Villanova 74-70 in a college basketball game played in Rome on November 1, 2026, marking the first game of the 2026-27 men's college basketball season. The Irish overcame a 66-60 deficit with less than four minutes remaining to complete the comeback victory. The six-point turnaround in the closing minutes secured the win for Notre Dame.