Notre Dame tops Villanova 74-72 in Rome

Notre Dame trailed for the majority of the second half but mounted a late run to defeat Villanova 74-72 on Sunday in Rome.

The game, known as the Eternal City Tip-Off, was played at the 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport, a venue located about a half-hour drive from the Vatican. Neither team held a preseason ranking in the AP Top 25.

Brady Koehler scored 16 points for Notre Dame, matching the total of Braeden Smith. The Fighting Irish roster includes 10 new players. Koehler executed a dunk that reduced Villanova's lead to one point with 1:36 remaining. Logan Duncomb then hit a 3-pointer with 1:08 left to give Notre Dame a 70-68 lead, the first of the second half.

Villanova's Tyler Perkins led the Wildcats with 18 points but fouled out with 16.3 seconds remaining. Koehler made two free throws with 4 seconds left, extending the Notre Dame lead to 74-70 and securing the win.

Villanova is attempting to rebuild after four years without an NCAA Tournament victory. The Wildcats missed the tournament for three seasons following the retirement of coach Jay Wright and then lost in the first round to Utah State last season.

Luigi Suigo, a 7-foot-3 Italian making his debut for Villanova on his home soil, finished with seven points. He recorded two dunks and a 3-pointer. The arena announcer repeatedly called his name as he scored.

Both teams attended an audience with Pope Leo XIV on Saturday. Villanova fans made up the larger share of the crowd. The men's game served as a doubleheader event, with a women's contest following immediately. Notre Dame will host Mercyhurst on Thursday, while Villanova plays Holy Cross on Friday and then La Salle four days later.