Notre Dame Beats Villanova 74-72 in Rome Opener

Notre Dame defeated Villanova 74-72 on Sunday night to open the college basketball season in Rome. The victory came after a late comeback by the Fighting Irish, who secured the win in the first game of the Eternal City Tip-Off doubleheader.

The men's contest concluded a day before the women's game, which features No. 13 Notre Dame. The event was created to honor the first American pope, Leo XIV. Although the pontiff was not present at the arena, he received all four teams in a Vatican audience on Saturday. During that meeting, the pope told the athletes and fans that he remained neutral in sports matters, adding with a smile that his former self, Robert Prevost, might hold a different view.

Villanova supporters filled the 11,000-seat Palazzo dello Sport, located about a half-hour drive from the Vatican. Many fans wore jerseys featuring the name Pope Leo and the number XIV. The crowd also displayed a large banner depicting the pope in a Villanova jersey reaching toward the university's president, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue. The image mirrored the style of Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel fresco.

Notre Dame coach Micah Shrewsberry noted that the team's two preseason road games prepared them for the loud atmosphere. He described the experience as one of the best of his career. Villanova coach Kevin Willard called the loss tough but the overall experience phenomenal. He praised the pope's love for Villanova and described the day as special for the entire group.

Pope Leo XIV, born in Chicago, graduated from Villanova in 1977 with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. The university is an Augustinian school near Philadelphia. Notre Dame is located in South Bend, Indiana. Cardinal Peter Turkson of Ghana, who was a candidate for pope before Leo's election last year, attended the game at the arena.

The games were played on All Saints' Day, a major Catholic holiday. A moment of prayer preceded tipoff, followed by the singing of the United States and Italian national anthems. Villanova fans held up signs and jerseys showing support for the pope, who was born Robert Prevost. The audience in the Vatican hall on Saturday included 7,000 people from both schools, including players, coaches, families, and fans.