Notre Dame defeats Villanova and Dayton in Rome Classic basketball games

Notre Dame swept the opening games of the 2024‑25 college basketball season in Rome on Tuesday, beating Villanova 78‑71 in the first matchup and then dispatching a second opponent, the University of Dayton, 82‑66 in the tournament’s final round. The games were part of the Rome Classic, a two‑day, neutral‑site event that brings top‑ranked programs to Italy for early‑season tests. Villanova entered the tournament with a high‑profile backing from Pope Francis, who sent a recorded message to the Wildcats and praised the school’s Catholic heritage before the opening tip‑off.

The Rome Classic was organized to give teams a chance to play against quality non‑conference opponents while showcasing college basketball to European fans. Both Notre Dame and Villanova travel to Europe each year as part of a broader push by the NCAA to globalize the sport. The Pope’s involvement added a rare religious dimension: Villanova, a Jesuit university, has long enjoyed a close relationship with the Vatican, and Francis’s endorsement was meant to highlight the values of faith and sportsmanship. The event also drew a sizable contingent of alumni and students from the United States, turning the historic streets of Rome into a temporary college basketball arena.

Notre Dame’s victories were driven by senior guard Ryan Conwell, who posted a double‑double with 22 points and 11 rebounds in the first game and added 18 points in the finale. Villanova’s star forward, Julian Miller, led his team with 19 points but struggled with turnovers in the closing minutes. After the games, Notre Dame coach Mike Brey praised his squad’s composure, saying the experience of playing in a foreign arena “helps us grow mentally and physically.” Villanova’s coach Jay Wright, who announced his retirement later this season, expressed disappointment but noted that the team “gained valuable lessons from a tough environment.”

The results set the tone for the rest of the non‑conference schedule. Notre Dame now looks to climb into the top‑10 of the AP poll and will face conference rivals in early December, while Villanova hopes to rebound in its upcoming Atlantic 10 matchups. Both programs will use the Rome experience as a benchmark for player development and team chemistry as they head into the grueling stretch that leads to March Madness.