No Products in the Cart
The 2026–27 college basketball season tipped off in Rome, Italy, as the Villanova Wildcats faced the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the historic Eternal City Tip-Off on Sunday, November 1, 2026.
Featuring both men's and women's basketball games, this international doubleheader brought two legendary college basketball programs together for a memorable season opener.
With a special connection to Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova graduate, the event combined college basketball, tradition and international excitement.
🏀 Notre Dame Sweeps Villanova in Rome — November 1, 2026 Results
Updated November 2, 2026
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish swept the Villanova Wildcats in the historic 2026 Eternal City Tip-Off in Rome, Italy, winning both the men’s and women’s basketball matchups at Palazzo dello Sport.
Men’s Basketball: Notre Dame 74, Villanova 72
Notre Dame rallied from a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat Villanova 74–72 in a thrilling season opener.
Brady Koehler and Braeden Smith led the Fighting Irish with 16 points each. Logan Duncomb delivered a crucial three-pointer in the final minutes to give Notre Dame the lead.
Villanova’s Tyler Perkins scored a game-high 18 points, but the Wildcats couldn’t hold off Notre Dame’s late comeback.
Women’s Basketball: Notre Dame 99, Villanova 75
The No. 13 Notre Dame women’s basketball team completed the Fighting Irish sweep with a commanding 99–75 victory over Villanova.
Hannah Hidalgo led Notre Dame with 32 points, while Leah Macy contributed 27 points and 14 rebounds.
Villanova’s Jasmine Bascoe finished with 26 points and nine assists.
A Historic Basketball Weekend in Rome
Beyond the final scores, the Eternal City Tip-Off brought together two prominent Catholic universities for a memorable international basketball event.
Both programs also had the opportunity to meet Pope Leo XIV, a Villanova graduate, during their visit to Rome.
The event marked a unique opening to the 2026–27 college basketball season and provided a memorable experience for Wildcats and Fighting Irish fans.
Show your school pride with officially licensed Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Villanova Wildcats hats. Explore our featured selections below, including adjustable caps, snapbacks, and popular game-day styles.
The Eternal City Tip-Off takes place at the Palazzo dello Sport in Rome, Italy.
Sunday, November 1, 2026
Men's Basketball: 9:30 a.m. ET — FOX
Women's Basketball: Noon ET — FS1
Location: Palazzo dello Sport, Rome, Italy
Event: 2026 Eternal City Tip-Off
The matchup marks an unusual international beginning to the NCAA basketball season, with both universities showcasing their men's and women's programs.
The Eternal City Tip-Off celebrates the international appeal of college basketball and the shared Catholic traditions of Villanova University and the University of Notre Dame.
The event also honors the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope and a Villanova alumnus.
The teams met with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on October 31, adding a memorable experience to their visit.
For both programs, the games provide an opportunity to begin the season on a global stage.
Watch Pope Leo XIV share a lighthearted moment about the Villanova–Notre Dame basketball rivalry ahead of the Eternal City Tip-Off in Rome.
Villanova fans can celebrate the beginning of basketball season with officially licensed Villanova Wildcats hats.
Popular styles include navy blue adjustable caps, embroidered Wildcats baseball hats, snapbacks and classic college headwear.
Whether you're following Villanova basketball throughout the Big East season or cheering from home, a Wildcats cap is a great way to show your school pride.
Explore our Best Villanova Wildcats Hat Guide
Notre Dame fans can welcome the 2026–27 basketball season with officially licensed Notre Dame Fighting Irish hats.
From traditional navy and gold baseball caps to adjustable hats and trucker styles, Fighting Irish headwear remains a popular choice for college sports fans.
Looking for more styles? Explore our Best Notre Dame Hats Guide to discover popular Fighting Irish caps, brands and styles.
Villanova and Notre Dame play on Sunday, November 1, 2026, as part of the Eternal City Tip-Off in Rome, Italy.
The men's game begins at 9:30 a.m. Eastern on FOX. The women's game follows at noon Eastern on FS1.
Fans can shop officially licensed Villanova Wildcats and Notre Dame Fighting Irish hats through retailers such as Amazon and Fanatics. CampusHats helps fans discover popular college hat styles and shopping options.
The Villanova–Notre Dame matchup in Rome provides a memorable beginning to the 2026–27 college basketball season.
Whether you're cheering for the Wildcats, Fighting Irish or another favorite college team, CampusHats helps fans discover officially licensed hats for basketball season and beyond.
👉 Explore More College Hats at CampusHats
