Brady Koehler scored key baskets down the stretch and Notre Dame made a late comeback after trailing for most of the second half to beat Villanova 74-72 in the college basketball season opener in Rome on Sunday.
Villanova standout Tyler Perkins fouled out with 16.3 seconds to go. He led the Wildcats with 18 points.
The event – dubbed the Eternal City Tip-Off – included an audience with Villanova alumnus Pope Leo XIV for both teams and their fans on Saturday.
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