Notre Dame erased a 10-point second-half deficit to upset Villanova 74-72 in the Eternal City Tip-Off season opener at Palazzo dello Sport in Rome on Sunday. The Fighting Irish trailed 60-50 with 10:24 remaining before a rally led by Brady Koehler, Braeden Smith, and Logan Duncomb turned the game.
Koehler's Breakout Performance
Sophomore forward Brady Koehler finished with 16 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks, including a crucial corner block on Kwame Evans' potential go-ahead three-pointer and a contested defensive rebound followed by two free throws in the final seconds. Koehler's all-around play suggests a breakout season and potential 2027 NBA Draft consideration.
Smith and Duncomb Spark Comeback
Point guard Braeden Smith, a Gonzaga transfer, overcame a difficult first half to score 16 points and hit 10 of 11 free throws. Big man Logan Duncomb, scoreless in the first half, contributed nine points, including the go-ahead three-pointer — the first of his career — with 68 seconds left.
Villanova's Concerns
Villanova, coached by Kevin Willard, committed 20 turnovers and struggled with transition defense. Tyler Perkins led the Wildcats with 18 points, but the team's sloppy play raises questions ahead of a challenging schedule.
