It was quite the opening Sunday for Notre Dame basketball, as both the men and women faced off against Villanova in the Eternal City Tip-Off played in Rome, Italy.
The whole weekend was one to remember, as a few members of each team got a chance to meet Pope Leo XIV and present him with some Irish memorabilia. It got even better when the games were played, as the men got the first crack.
Head coach Micah Shrewsberry probably is on the hot seat to start the year, but after a 74-72 win, that chatter might die down for a bit. Notre Dame was led by Brady Koehler and Braeden Smith, who each scored 16-points, with Braeden Shrewberry right behind them with 15. The bench did make a huge impact, as the starters led the win during the season opener.
KOEHLER
POSTER#GoIrish☘️ pic.twitter.com/rNAwgCdh5Z
— Notre Dame Men's Basketball (@NDmbb) November 1, 2026
The women were next, and looked the part, winning 99-75. No surprise who led the Irish in this one, as Hannah Hidalgo scored 32-points with 7-rebounds, 8-assists and 3-steals. Sophomore forward Leah Macy made her Notre Dame debut a memorable one, scoring 27-points and grabbing 14-rebounds.
WIN IN ROME😏#GoIrish | @Gatorade pic.twitter.com/mcuHW03nRF
— Notre Dame Women's Basketball (@ndwbb) November 1, 2026
It was a banner day for the Irish, one that was extra special due to the location, and the experiences before the games.
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This article originally appeared on Fighting Irish Wire: Notre Dame hoops completes sweep of Villanova in Rome, Italy
